Mucormycosis - A Rare, yet Lethal Infection: A Review

Abstract

Mucormycosis is an angio invasive infection caused by Mucorales fungi, which is mostly observed in diabetic and immunocompromised patients. The infection can be classified into cutaneous, rhino-orbito cerebral, gastrointestinal, disseminated and other rare pulmonary types. The overall mortality rate due to this infection has increased, even with aggressive treatment. Moreover, there has been a major mucormycosis outbreak in India following the deadly second wave of COVID-19 cases in the country. The epidemiology of mucormycosis is evolving due to advances in therapeutics and early diagnostics tools. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the epidemiology, pathogenesis and types of mucormycosis along with an update on the recent advanced diagnostics tools and therapeutics to combat the rare, yet lethal infection.