Zygomycosis: Reemergence of an Old Pathogen

Open Access
Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
The dramatic invasive infections caused by the Zygomycetes are well known to clinicians. Within the class Zygomycetes, the order Mucorales contains the genera Rhizopus, Mucor, and Rhizomucor, which cause most cases of human infection. These fungi are found in soil, in decaying vegetation, in manure, and on a variety of foodstuffs, including bread, fruits, and seeds. Aerosolization of the spores occurs easily and leads to tissue invasion via the respiratory tract (in most patients). Occasionally, acquisition is through disrupted cutaneous barriers, as occurs with trauma and burn victims, or is from ingestion of contaminated foodstuffs, leading to gastrointestinal infection.