Mucormycosis is caused by common fungi frequently found in the soil and in decaying vegetation. Most individuals are exposed to these fungi on a daily basis -- but people with immune disorders may be more susceptible to infection. Conditions most commonly associated with mucormycosis include diabetes mellitus, chronic steroid use, metabolic acidosis, organ transplantation, leukemia/lymphoma, treatment with deferoxamine, and AIDS. Syndromes associated with mucormycosis include: - Rhinocerebral infection (infection of sinuses and brain)
- May start as a sinus infection
- May progress to involve inflammation of cranial nerves
- May cause blood clots that block vessels to the brain (thrombosis)
- Pulmonary mucormycosis (lung involvement) -- rapidly progressive pneumonia that may spread to the chest cavity, heart, and brain.
- Mucormycosis of the gastrointestinal tract, skin, and kidneys.
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