ABSTRACT
Zygomycosis has emerged as an increasingly common infection in immunocompromised patients.
Although the majority of these cases are community acquired, hospital outbreaks have
been described, linked to the use of contaminated products. Risk factors for development
of zygomycosis include uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, neutropenia, use of immunosuppressive
medications, and iron overload states. Recent studies have shown the central role
of iron in the pathogenesis of zygomycosis and the effect of disease states such as
ketoacidosis and hyperglycemia on the availability of iron to the Zygomycetes. These
organisms most commonly infect the sinuses, lungs, central nervous system, and skin
and soft tissues. Diagnosis often involves invasive procedures, including deep tissue
biopsy, because radiological studies are not specific for this disease, and other
less invasive diagnostic modalities have not yet been proven to be sensitive or specific.
Treatment may require a combined medical and surgical approach in these frequently
frail patients; yet, even with such aggressive measures the mortality of zygomycosis
remains high.
KEYWORDS
Zygomycosis - mucormycosis - fungal infection - pulmonary infection
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Thomas J WalshM.D.
Immunocompromised Host Section, Pediatric Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute
CRC 1-5750, 10 Center Dr., Bethesda, MD 20892
Email: walsht@mail.nih.gov