Fungal Infection

Mucormycosis, also known as zygomycosis, is a rare but potentially be life-threatening fungal infection, caused by fungi belonging to the order Mucorales. It is found in the environmental air, but more abundant in soil and decaying organic matter.

Its major route of spread is via inhalation. In head and neck region it begins by involving maxillary or nasal bone ,later directly extends to paranasal sinus and from there, spreads to retro-orbital tissues and can disseminate to eye, brain, lungs and to other body organs. Risk factors are Weakened Immune System, chronic kidney disease (CKD), steroid therapy, pulmonary tuberculosis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) Trauma or Injury to the oral cavity, uncontrolled Diabetes, Iron Overload, autoimmune disease, HIV infection, immunosuppressant or chemotheraphy drugs and malnutrition.

Usually it presents with paresthesia (numbness-felt by 5% population) painful, necrotic (dead) ulcers, blackening of the oral tissues or dead bone in the palate, gum pustules, pus discharge in gums, facial Swelling, fever, and difficulty in mouth opening or swallowing, blurred vision due to proptosis and involvement of orbital contents, loosening of teeth, destruction of periodontal tissue, buccal vestibule or the maxillary alveolus along with formation of oro-nasal/oro-antral communication).

Diagnosis can be made through clinical evaluation, medical history, and imaging studies such as CT scans or MRI.A tissue biopsy is often required to confirm the presence of the fungus

It can be treated with aggressive surgical resection followed by supportive medical treatments like liposomal amphotericin B and posaconazole.

Prevention can be made by treating underlying medical conditions, particularly diabetes, is essential. Reducing exposure to the fungi, especially for individuals with weakened immune systems. Wound care and hygiene are crucial for preventing the entry of fungi through breaks in the skin or mucous membranes.