Mucormycosis

Mucormycosis, a rare but aggressive fungal infection caused by fungi of the order Mucorales, has garnered significant attention due to its association with the COVID-19 pandemic and the widespread use of immunosuppressive therapies. This opportunistic infection primarily affects individuals with underlying health conditions, such as diabetes mellitus, hematological malignancies, or solid organ transplantation, as well as those receiving immunosuppressive medications or corticosteroids. Mucormycosis typically manifests as rhino-orbital-cerebral, pulmonary, cutaneous, or disseminated disease, with symptoms ranging from sinusitis and facial pain to necrotic skin lesions and neurological deficits. Timely diagnosis of mucormycosis relies on a combination of clinical suspicion, radiological imaging, and microbiological confirmation through tissue biopsy or fungal cultures. Treatment involves a multimodal approach, including surgical debridement of infected tissue and antifungal therapy with agents such as amphotericin B or posaconazole. Despite advances in medical care, mucormycosis remains associated with high mortality rates, underscoring the need for early recognition, aggressive management, and comprehensive multidisciplinary care to improve patient outcomes and reduce disease burden.

Related Sessions