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Abstract
Mucormycosis is a rare but aggressive fungal disease that mainly affects patients with poorly controlled diabetes mellitus and those who are severely immunocompromised, including patients with hematological malignancies and solid organ transplant recipients. Early recognition of infection is critical for treatment success, followed by prompt initiation of antifungal therapy with lipid formulation amphotericin B. Posaconazole and isavuconazole should be used for stepdown and salvage therapy. Surgical debridement is key for tissue diagnosis and treatment and should be pursued urgently whenever possible. In addition to surgery and antifungal therapy, reverting the underlying risk factor for infection is important for treatment response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie M Steinbrink
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Hanes House, Duke University Medical Center, 315 Trent Drive, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Marisa H Miceli
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Health System, F4005 UH-South- SPC 5226, 1500 E. Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
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Nandwani A, Jha PK, Duggal R, Kher V. Invasive gastric mucormycosis and cytomegalovirus infection in an ABO incompatible renal transplant recipient. Indian J Nephrol 2015; 25:373-6. [PMID: 26664215 PMCID: PMC4663777 DOI: 10.4103/0971-4065.157428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Opportunistic infections are common in immunocompromised patients, such as solid organ transplant recipients. Both fungal and viral infections in posttransplant period increase morbidity and mortality. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) remains one of the most important pathogens. CMV disease may manifest as a nonspecific febrile syndrome or tissue-invasive infections. Zygomycosis is a rare infection, usually presents in rhino-cerebral, pulmonary and disseminated forms; gastrointestinal (GI) tract being a rare site of involvement. Newer techniques for early diagnosis and efficient therapies are essential for a better outcome of the disease; however, mortality rate remains high despite aggressive therapy. We report a renal transplant recipient, who developed gastric mucormycosis along with tissue invasive CMV disease, within 4 weeks of renal transplant and was diagnosed on the basis of upper GI endoscopy and gastric biopsy. The patient succumbed to the infection in spite of gastrectomy, antifungal and antiviral therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Nandwani
- Department of Nephrology, Medanta Institute of Kidney and Urology, Medanta - The Medicity, Gurgaon, Haryana, India
| | - P K Jha
- Department of Nephrology, Medanta Institute of Kidney and Urology, Medanta - The Medicity, Gurgaon, Haryana, India
| | - R Duggal
- Department of Lab Medicine, Medanta Institute of Kidney and Urology, Medanta - The Medicity, Gurgaon, Haryana, India
| | - V Kher
- Department of Nephrology, Medanta Institute of Kidney and Urology, Medanta - The Medicity, Gurgaon, Haryana, India
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Dioverti MV, Cawcutt KA, Abidi M, Sohail MR, Walker RC, Osmon DR. Gastrointestinal mucormycosis in immunocompromised hosts. Mycoses 2015; 58:714-8. [PMID: 26456920 DOI: 10.1111/myc.12419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2015] [Revised: 08/31/2015] [Accepted: 09/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Invasive mucormycosis is a rare fungal infection in immunocompromised hosts, but it carries a high mortality rate. Primary gastrointestinal disease is the least frequent form of presentation. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical in the management; however, symptoms are typically non-specific in gastrointestinal disease, leading to delayed therapy. To describe the clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment and outcomes of gastrointestinal mucormycosis in immunocompromised hosts, we reviewed all cases of primary gastrointestinal mucormycosis in immunocompromised hosts reported in English literature as well as in our Institution from January 1st 1991 to December 31st 2013 for a total of 31 patients. About 52% of patients underwent solid organ transplant (SOT), while the rest had an underlying haematologic malignancy. Abdominal pain was the most common presenting symptom, followed by gastrointestinal bleeding and fever. Gastric disease was more common in SOT, whereas those with haematologic malignancy presented with intestinal disease (P = 0.002). Although gastrointestinal mucormycosis remains an uncommon condition in immunocompromised hosts, it carries significant morbidity and mortality, particularly in cases with intestinal involvement. A high index of suspicion is of utmost importance to institute early and appropriate therapy and improve outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kelly A Cawcutt
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Maheen Abidi
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - M Rizwan Sohail
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Randall C Walker
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Douglas R Osmon
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
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Lee SH, Son YG, Sohn SS, Ryu SW. Successful treatment of invasive gastric mucormycosis in a patient with alcoholic liver cirrhosis: A case report. Exp Ther Med 2014; 8:401-404. [PMID: 25009590 PMCID: PMC4079431 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2014.1753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2013] [Accepted: 04/10/2014] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Gastrointestinal (GI) mucormycosis is a rare and life-threatening invasive fungal infection. GI mucormycosis occur in all parts of the alimentary tract, with the stomach being the most common site. Diabetes mellitus and other types of conditions associated with immunodeficiency, including hematologic malignancies, solid organ transplantation and glucocorticoid therapy, are risk factors for GI mucormycosis. There are few studies reporting cases of gastric mucormycosis in patients with liver cirrhosis, and even fewer reporting the successful treatment of invasive gastric mucormycosis in a patient with liver cirrhosis. This study presents a case of invasive gastric mucormycosis in a patient with liver cirrhosis, which was treated successfully by prompt diagnosis, metabolic support, surgical debridement of involved tissues and antifungal therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seung Hyoung Lee
- Department of Surgery, Dong San Medical Center, Keimyung University School of Medicine, Daegu 700-712, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Gil Son
- Department of Surgery, Dong San Medical Center, Keimyung University School of Medicine, Daegu 700-712, Republic of Korea
| | - Soo Sang Sohn
- Department of Surgery, Dong San Medical Center, Keimyung University School of Medicine, Daegu 700-712, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Wan Ryu
- Department of Surgery, Dong San Medical Center, Keimyung University School of Medicine, Daegu 700-712, Republic of Korea
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Corey KE, Gupta NK, Agarwal S, Xiao HD. Case records of the Massachusetts General Hospital. Case 32-2013. A 55-year-old woman with autoimmune hepatitis, cirrhosis, anorexia, and abdominal pain. N Engl J Med 2013; 369:1545-53. [PMID: 24131180 DOI: 10.1056/nejmcpc1208153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Alberto García C, García E, Gómez C, Andrés Castillo S. Mucormicosis gastrointestinal en paciente diabético; reporte de un caso y revisión de la literatura. INFECTIO 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/s0123-9392(12)70035-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
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Feng WF, Tseng CE, Lin CW, Tseng KC. Nonfatal Gastric Mucormycosis Associated With Emphysematous Gastritis. Tzu Chi Med J 2010. [DOI: 10.1016/s1016-3190(10)60060-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
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Devlin SM, Hu B, Ippoliti A. Mucormycosis presenting as recurrent gastric perforation in a patient with Crohn's disease on glucocorticoid, 6-mercaptopurine, and infliximab therapy. Dig Dis Sci 2007; 52:2078-81. [PMID: 17406841 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-006-9455-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2006] [Accepted: 05/13/2006] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Shane M Devlin
- Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center, 8730 Alden Drive, Suite E221, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA.
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Deja M, Wolf S, Weber-Carstens S, Lehmann TN, Adler A, Ruhnke M, Tintelnot K. Gastrointestinal zygomycosis caused by Mucor indicus in a patient with acute traumatic brain injury. Med Mycol 2007; 44:683-7. [PMID: 17071566 DOI: 10.1080/13693780600803888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
Abstract
We report a gastrointestinal infection caused by Mucor indicus in a patient with severe head injuries. Monotherapy with high-dose liposomal amphotericin B successfully eradicated the mucormycosis. Nevertheless, subsequently a hemicolectomy was necessary due to recurrent bleeding from a deep ulcer. Mucor indicus is an uncommon fungal pathogen, typically found in starters used for food fermentation. Reviewing other reports on Mucor indicus infections, primary gastrointestinal manifestations seem to be typical and indicate an oral route of infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Deja
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Charité, Campus Virchow-Klinikum, Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany
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Prasad N, Ram R, Satti Reddy V, Dakshinamurty KV. Non-fatal gastric mucormycosis in a renal transplant patient and review of the literature. Transpl Infect Dis 2006; 8:237-41. [PMID: 17116140 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399-3062.2006.00142.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Mucormycosis is historically associated with substantial morbidity and carries a very high mortality in renal transplant patients. The common sites of involvement include cerebral, pulmonary, gastrointestinal, or disseminated lesions. We report the successful outcome of gastric mucormycosis along with Strongyloides stercoralis infection in a renal transplant patient, who has survived for 5 years. We also review the literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Prasad
- Department of Nephrology, Nizam's Institute of Medical Sciences, Punjagutta, Hyderabad, India
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Almyroudis NG, Sutton DA, Linden P, Rinaldi MG, Fung J, Kusne S. Zygomycosis in solid organ transplant recipients in a tertiary transplant center and review of the literature. Am J Transplant 2006; 6:2365-74. [PMID: 16925570 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-6143.2006.01496.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 185] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Zygomycetes are ubiquitous fungi that can cause invasive disease associated with high mortality. We report 10 solid organ transplant recipients with zygomycosis (incidence 2 per 1000) and reviewed 106 cases in the English-language literature. These included renal (n = 73), heart (n = 16), lung (n = 4), heart/lung (n = 2), liver (n = 19) and kidney/pancreas (n = 2) transplant recipients. All patients were receiving immunosuppression and the vast majority steroids. The clinical presentation included rhino-sino-orbital (n = 20), rhinocerebral (n = 16), pulmonary (n = 28), gastrointestinal (n = 13), cutaneous (n = 18), renal (n = 6) and disseminated disease (n = 15). Most frequently isolated genera were Rhizopus (73%) followed by Mucor (13%). The overall mortality was 49%. While rhino-sino-orbital disease had the best prognosis, rhinocerebral disease had high mortality (93%) comparable to disseminated disease. A favorable outcome was associated with limited, surgically accessible disease and early surgical intervention along with amphotericin B administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- N G Almyroudis
- Department of Medicine, Univeristy of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
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Aboltins CA, Pratt WAB, Solano TR. Fungemia secondary to gastrointestinal Mucor indicus infection. Clin Infect Dis 2006; 42:154-5. [PMID: 16323109 DOI: 10.1086/498751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
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Roden MM, Zaoutis TE, Buchanan WL, Knudsen TA, Sarkisova TA, Schaufele RL, Sein M, Sein T, Chiou CC, Chu JH, Kontoyiannis DP, Walsh TJ. Epidemiology and outcome of zygomycosis: a review of 929 reported cases. Clin Infect Dis 2005; 41:634-53. [PMID: 16080086 DOI: 10.1086/432579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1834] [Impact Index Per Article: 96.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2005] [Accepted: 04/18/2005] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Zygomycosis is an increasingly emerging life-threatening infection. There is no single comprehensive literature review that describes the epidemiology and outcome of this disease. METHODS We reviewed reports of zygomycosis in the English-language literature since 1885 and analyzed 929 eligible cases. We included in the database only those cases for which the underlying condition, the pattern of infection, the surgical and antifungal treatments, and survival were described. RESULTS The mean age of patients was 38.8 years; 65% were male. The prevalence and overall mortality were 36% and 44%, respectively, for diabetes; 19% and 35%, respectively, for no underlying condition; and 17% and 66%, respectively, for malignancy. The most common types of infection were sinus (39%), pulmonary (24%), and cutaneous (19%). Dissemination developed in 23% of cases. Mortality varied with the site of infection: 96% of patients with disseminated disease died, 85% with gastrointestinal infection died, and 76% with pulmonary infection died. The majority of patients with malignancy (92 [60%] of 154) had pulmonary disease, whereas the majority of patients with diabetes (222 [66%] of 337) had sinus disease. Rhinocerebral disease was seen more frequently in patients with diabetes (145 [33%] of 337), compared with patients with malignancy (6 [4%] of 154). Hematogenous dissemination to skin was rare; however, 78 (44%) of 176 cutaneous infections were complicated by deep extension or dissemination. Survival was 3% (8 of 241 patients) for cases that were not treated, 61% (324 of 532) for cases treated with amphotericin B deoxycholate, 57% (51 of 90) for cases treated with surgery alone, and 70% (328 of 470) for cases treated with antifungal therapy and surgery. By multivariate analysis, infection due to Cunninghamella species and disseminated disease were independently associated with increased rates of death (odds ratios, 2.78 and 11.2, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Outcome from zygomycosis varies as a function of the underlying condition, site of infection, and use of antifungal therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maureen M Roden
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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Spellberg B, Edwards J, Ibrahim A. Novel perspectives on mucormycosis: pathophysiology, presentation, and management. Clin Microbiol Rev 2005; 18:556-69. [PMID: 16020690 PMCID: PMC1195964 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.18.3.556-569.2005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 837] [Impact Index Per Article: 44.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Mucormycosis is a life-threatening fungal infection that occurs in immunocompromised patients. These infections are becoming increasingly common, yet survival remains very poor. A greater understanding of the pathogenesis of the disease may lead to future therapies. For example, it is now clear that iron metabolism plays a central role in regulating mucormycosis infections and that deferoxamine predisposes patients to mucormycosis by inappropriately supplying the fungus with iron. These findings raise the possibility that iron chelator therapy may be useful to treat the infection as long as the chelator does not inappropriately supply the fungus with iron. Recent data support the concept that high-dose liposomal amphotericin is the preferred monotherapy for mucormycosis. However, several novel therapeutic strategies are available. These options include combination therapy using lipid-based amphotericin with an echinocandin or with an azole (largely itraconazole or posaconazole) or with all three. The underlying principles of therapy for this disease remain rapid diagnosis, reversal of underlying predisposition, and urgent surgical debridement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brad Spellberg
- Department of Medicine, Los Angeles Biomedical Institute at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, 1124 West Carson St. RB2, Torrance, CA 90502, USA.
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Manchikalapati P, Canon CL, Jhala N, Eloubeidi MA. Gastrointestinal zygomycosis complicating heart and lung transplantation in a patient with Eisenmenger's syndrome. Dig Dis Sci 2005; 50:1181-3. [PMID: 15986881 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-005-2731-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
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Prabhu RM, Patel R. Mucormycosis and entomophthoramycosis: a review of the clinical manifestations, diagnosis and treatment. Clin Microbiol Infect 2004; 10 Suppl 1:31-47. [PMID: 14748801 DOI: 10.1111/j.1470-9465.2004.00843.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 330] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The class Zygomycetes is divided into two orders, Mucorales and Entomophthorales. These two orders produce dramatically different infections. Genera from the order Mucorales (Rhizopus, Mucor, Rhizomucor, Absidia, Apophysomyces, Cunninghamella and Saksenaea) cause an angioinvasive infection called mucormycosis. Mucormycosis presents with rhino-orbito-cerebral, pulmonary, disseminated, cutaneous, or gastrointestinal involvement. Immunocompromising states such as haematological malignancy, bone marrow or peripheral blood stem cell transplantation, neutropenia, solid organ transplantation, diabetes mellitus with or without ketoacidosis, corticosteroids, and deferoxamine therapy for iron overload predispose patients to infection. Mucormycosis in immunocompetent hosts is rare, and is often related to trauma. Mortality rates can approach 100% depending on the patient's underlying disease and form of mucormycosis. Early diagnosis, along with treatment of the underlying medical condition, surgery, and an amphotericin B product are needed for a successful outcome. Genera from the order Entomophthorales produce a chronic subcutaneous infection called entomophthoramycosis in immunocompetent patients. This infection occurs in tropical and subtropical climates. The genus Basidiobolus typically produces a chronic subcutaneous infection of the thigh, buttock, and/or trunk. Rarely, it has been reported to involve the gastrointestinal tract. The genus Conidiobolus causes a chronic infection of the nasal submucosa and subcutaneous tissue of the nose and face. This paper will review the clinical manifestations, diagnosis and treatment of mucormycosis and entomophthoramycosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- R M Prabhu
- Division of Infectious Diseases Division of Clinical Microbiology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA
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Abstract
A review of infections in kidney transplant recipients is presented in this article, beginning with a discussion of the pretransplant infectious diseases evaluation and an overview of the timing of infectious posttransplant, and then focusing on individual types of infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Patel
- Division of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA.
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19
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Abstract
The Zygomycetes represent relatively uncommon isolates in the clinical laboratory, reflecting either environmental contaminants or, less commonly, a clinical disease called zygomycosis. There are two orders of Zygomycetes containing organisms that cause human disease, the Mucorales and the Entomophthorales. The majority of human illness is caused by the Mucorales. While disease is most commonly linked to Rhizopus spp., other organisms are also associated with human infection, including Mucor, Rhizomucor, Absidia, Apophysomyces, Saksenaea, Cunninghamella, Cokeromyces, and Syncephalastrum spp. Although Mortierella spp. do cause disease in animals, there is no longer sufficient evidence to suggest that they are true human pathogens. The spores from these molds are transmitted by inhalation, via a variety of percutaneous routes, or by ingestion of spores. Human zygomycosis caused by the Mucorales generally occurs in immunocompromised hosts as opportunistic infections. Host risk factors include diabetes mellitus, neutropenia, sustained immunosuppressive therapy, chronic prednisone use, iron chelation therapy, broad-spectrum antibiotic use, severe malnutrition, and primary breakdown in the integrity of the cutaneous barrier such as trauma, surgical wounds, needle sticks, or burns. Zygomycosis occurs only rarely in immunocompetent hosts. The disease manifestations reflect the mode of transmission, with rhinocerebral and pulmonary diseases being the most common manifestations. Cutaneous, gastrointestinal, and allergic diseases are also seen. The Mucorales are associated with angioinvasive disease, often leading to thrombosis, infarction of involved tissues, and tissue destruction mediated by a number of fungal proteases, lipases, and mycotoxins. If the diagnosis is not made early, dissemination often occurs. Therapy, if it is to be effective, must be started early and requires combinations of antifungal drugs, surgical intervention, and reversal of the underlying risk factors. The Entomophthorales are closely related to the Mucorales on the basis of sexual growth by production of zygospores and by the production of coenocytic hyphae. Despite these similarities, the Entomophthorales and Mucorales have dramatically different gross morphologies, asexual reproductive characteristics, and disease manifestations. In comparison to the floccose aerial mycelium of the Mucorales, the Entomophthorales produce a compact, glabrous mycelium. The asexually produced spores of the Entomophthorales may be passively released or actively expelled into the environment. Human disease with these organisms occurs predominantly in tropical regions, with transmission occurring by implantation of spores via minor trauma such as insect bites or by inhalation of spores into the sinuses. Conidiobolus typically infects mucocutaneous sites to produce sinusitis disease, while Basidiobolus infections occur as subcutaneous mycosis of the trunk and extremities. The Entomophthorales are true pathogens, infecting primarily immunocompetent hosts. They generally do not invade blood vessels and rarely disseminate. Occasional cases of disseminated and angioinvasive disease have recently been described, primarily in immunocompromised patients, suggesting a possible emerging role for this organism as an opportunist.
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Abstract
The Zygomycetes represent relatively uncommon isolates in the clinical laboratory, reflecting either environmental contaminants or, less commonly, a clinical disease called zygomycosis. There are two orders of Zygomycetes containing organisms that cause human disease, the Mucorales and the Entomophthorales. The majority of human illness is caused by the Mucorales. While disease is most commonly linked to Rhizopus spp., other organisms are also associated with human infection, including Mucor, Rhizomucor, Absidia, Apophysomyces, Saksenaea, Cunninghamella, Cokeromyces, and Syncephalastrum spp. Although Mortierella spp. do cause disease in animals, there is no longer sufficient evidence to suggest that they are true human pathogens. The spores from these molds are transmitted by inhalation, via a variety of percutaneous routes, or by ingestion of spores. Human zygomycosis caused by the Mucorales generally occurs in immunocompromised hosts as opportunistic infections. Host risk factors include diabetes mellitus, neutropenia, sustained immunosuppressive therapy, chronic prednisone use, iron chelation therapy, broad-spectrum antibiotic use, severe malnutrition, and primary breakdown in the integrity of the cutaneous barrier such as trauma, surgical wounds, needle sticks, or burns. Zygomycosis occurs only rarely in immunocompetent hosts. The disease manifestations reflect the mode of transmission, with rhinocerebral and pulmonary diseases being the most common manifestations. Cutaneous, gastrointestinal, and allergic diseases are also seen. The Mucorales are associated with angioinvasive disease, often leading to thrombosis, infarction of involved tissues, and tissue destruction mediated by a number of fungal proteases, lipases, and mycotoxins. If the diagnosis is not made early, dissemination often occurs. Therapy, if it is to be effective, must be started early and requires combinations of antifungal drugs, surgical intervention, and reversal of the underlying risk factors. The Entomophthorales are closely related to the Mucorales on the basis of sexual growth by production of zygospores and by the production of coenocytic hyphae. Despite these similarities, the Entomophthorales and Mucorales have dramatically different gross morphologies, asexual reproductive characteristics, and disease manifestations. In comparison to the floccose aerial mycelium of the Mucorales, the Entomophthorales produce a compact, glabrous mycelium. The asexually produced spores of the Entomophthorales may be passively released or actively expelled into the environment. Human disease with these organisms occurs predominantly in tropical regions, with transmission occurring by implantation of spores via minor trauma such as insect bites or by inhalation of spores into the sinuses. Conidiobolus typically infects mucocutaneous sites to produce sinusitis disease, while Basidiobolus infections occur as subcutaneous mycosis of the trunk and extremities. The Entomophthorales are true pathogens, infecting primarily immunocompetent hosts. They generally do not invade blood vessels and rarely disseminate. Occasional cases of disseminated and angioinvasive disease have recently been described, primarily in immunocompromised patients, suggesting a possible emerging role for this organism as an opportunist.
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Affiliation(s)
- J A Ribes
- Departments of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine and of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536-0084, USA.
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Abstract
Gastrointestinal infections are a frequent and important complication of immunodeficiency diseases and immunosuppressive therapy. Such infections may be severe, prolonged, or even fatal, whereas the same infections are typically mild and transient in immunocompetent persons. In this regard, the strong association between HIV-induced immunosuppression and the increased prevalence of severe enteric infections is strong evidence of the link between immune function and defense against enteric pathogens. Because gastrointestinal infections in immunocompromised persons are frequently severe and life-threatening, a vigorous approach to the diagnostic evaluation and therapeutic management is advocated by many clinical investigators. In this review, we summarize the important new developments, particularly during the past year, regarding gastrointestinal infections in immunocompromised persons.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Meng
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine and the VA Medical Center, University of Alabama Station, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
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Cherney CL, Chutuape A, Fikrig MK. Fatal invasive gastric mucormycosis occurring with emphysematous gastritis: case report and literature review. Am J Gastroenterol 1999; 94:252-6. [PMID: 9934766 DOI: 10.1111/j.1572-0241.1999.00809.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Emphysematous gastritis is an often lethal, rare clinical entity referring to air bubbles in the wall of the stomach produced by gas-forming bacteria. Invasive gastrointestinal mucormycosis is an unusual clinical presentation of this invasive fungal disease. We report the first case of invasive gastric mucormycosis occurring with emphysematous gastritis, and review the literature regarding both of these clinical entities.
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Affiliation(s)
- C L Cherney
- The Division of Infectious Diseases, The Hospital of St. Raphael, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, USA
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Corley DA, Lindeman N, Ostroff JW. Survival with early diagnosis of invasive gastric mucormycosis in a heart transplant patient. Gastrointest Endosc 1997; 46:452-4. [PMID: 9402122 DOI: 10.1016/s0016-5107(97)70041-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- D A Corley
- Department of Medicine and Pathology, University of California, San Francisco, 94110, USA
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