Cutaneous mucormycosis

Zygomycosis encompasses infections due to two distinct orders of fungi, Mucorales and Entomophthorales. With rare exceptions Entomophthorales are restricted to tropical areas. By contrast, Mucorales are ubiquitous opportunistic fungi which play a crucial part in the natural decay process. In human pathology, they may be opportunistic agents and be responsible for rare infections called mucormycosis. Cutaneous mucormycosis is one of the recognized complications of extensive burns, diabetic acidosis and other specific immunocompromised conditions. The disease may be the most acute human fungal disease and is frequently fatal. (c) 2006 Elsevier SAS. All rights reserved.