Fungal Infections: Zygomycosis and Mucormycosis

Zygomycosis is the broadest term to refer to an infection caused by fungi of the zygomycota phylum. Zygomycotas are phyla of the Kingdom Fungi. They include about 665 species, many of which are important decomposers. One of the most common zygomycotas is black bread mold.

Zygomycosis is a dangerous infection caused by a water-borne fungus. The condition may affect the gastrointestinal tract or the skin. It usually begins in the nose and paranasal sinuses and is one of the most rapidly spreading fungal infections in humans.

Zygomycosis is also called Mucormycosis and the terms are used interchangeably.

Who Can Get Zygomycosis?

Zygomycosis is seen most often in patients who are already ill with diseases that cause wasting, such as AIDS or poorly controlled diabetes. Recipients of organ transplants and sufferers of hematologic malignancies are also at risk.

How Do You Get Zygomycosis?

Zygomycosis is often caused by common fungi which can be found in soil and decaying vegetation. While most individuals are exposed to the fungi on a regular basis, those with immune disorders are more prone to an infection.

What Are The Symptoms Of Zygomycosis?

There are many symptoms of Zygomycosis, which include:

Pain around the eye

Headache

Nausea

Fever

Pus draining from nose

Stuffy or runny nose

Nosebleeds

Fatigue

Impaired vision

Bulging eyes

Ulcer in roof of mouth

Infection of tissue around nose

Convulsions

Blood clots

Inflammation of cranial nerves

Progressive pneumonia

Gastrointestinal tract infection

Kidney infection

Skin infection

Coughing and vomiting blood

Abdominal pain

Flank pain

Hardened patch of skin around infected area

Altered mental status

How Does Zygomycosis Get Diagnosed?

Depending on where the symptoms are, a CT scan or MRI may be done. Evaluation by an ear-nose-throat specialist is recommended if sinus involvement is suspected.

A tissue specimen must be taken and analyzed in order to make a definitive diagnosis of Zygomycosis.

How Do You Treat Zygomycosis?

Treatment includes controlling the underlying condition and attacking the infection with anti-fungal medications. Surgery may also be required to remove the dead tissue.

If left untreated, the fungal infection can spread to the lungs and other organs, such as the blood, eyes, brain. Zygomycosis can also cause death. Without early aggressive treatment, the disease follows a dismal and fatal course. The prognosis has not shown any appreciable change in the past 40 years with a stagnant mortality rate of 44%.

How Can I Prevent Zygomycosis?

There are only two known ways to prevent Zygomycosis. The first is to wear a mask or other protective gear while working near likely sources of fungi. The second preventative measure is to treat any underlying conditions or diseases that may cause your immune system to be compromised, such as diabetes.

Zygomycosis is rare, however, it has in recent years been increasingly diagnosed in patients who have uncontrolled diabetes.

Sources:

Wikipedia, Zygomycosis: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zygomycosis

Google Health, Mucormycosis, https://health.google.com/health/ref/Mucormycosis