Epidemiology of Mucormycosis in India

• DOI: 10.1007/s12281-013-0152-z
• Publication Date: 2013-08-17T05:18:34Z
• Authors: Arunaloke Chakrab...; Manpreet Dhaliwal
• Keywords: 0301 basic medicine; 0303 health sciences; 03 medical and health sciences; 3. Good health

Mucormycosis is an emerging healthcare problem in the Indian population. The epidemiology of the disease is distinct with very high incidence among uncontrolled diabetics. The patients present commonly as rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis, which is easy to diagnose. But, the mortality rate remains high (nearly 50 %), as the patients attend the healthcare facility late in the course of the disease after extensive spread of infection. Isolated renal mucormycosis in young apparently healthy individuals is a new form of the disease. The spectrum of etiological agents causing mucormycosis is also unique as Apophysomyces elegans is the second most common pathogen after Rhizopus oryzae. Many new agents are identified causing the disease.