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Review
. 2013 Dec;26(6):508-15.
doi: 10.1097/QCO.0000000000000008.

Update on mucormycosis pathogenesis

Ashraf S Ibrahim  1 , Dimitrios P Kontoyiannis
Affiliations
Review

Update on mucormycosis pathogenesis

Ashraf S Ibrahim et al. Curr Opin Infect Dis. 2013 Dec.

Abstract

Purpose of review: Mucormycosis is an increasingly common fungal infection with unacceptably high mortality. The recent sequencing genome projects of Mucorales and the development of gene manipulation have enabled significant advances in understanding the pathogenesis of mucormycosis. Therefore, we review the pathogenesis of mucormycosis and highlight potential development of novel diagnostic and therapeutic modalities against this lethal disease.

Recent findings: Much of the work has been focused on the role of iron uptake in the virulence of Mucorales. Additionally, host receptors and fungal ligands involved in the process of tissue invasion as well as sporangiospore size and sex loci and their contribution to virulence of Mucorales are discussed. Finally, the role of innate and adaptive immunity in protection against Mucorales and new evidence about drug-induced apoptosis in these fungi are discussed.

Summary: Recent discoveries introduce several potentially novel diagnostic and therapeutic modalities, which are likely to improve management and outcome for mucormycosis. Future preclinical and clinical research is warranted to develop these diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflicts of interest: A.S.I. received research grants or consultancy fees from the following companies to conduct research on mucormycosis: Astellas, Enzon, Gilead, Merck, and Pfizer. D.P.K. received research grant, honoraria, and consultancy fees from Astellas, Gilead, and Merck.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
(a) Mucormycosis can rapidly progress across tissue planes and does not respect anatomic boundaries. (b) Annual number of published articles on mucormycosis since 1975 (SCOPUS, accessed July, 2013).
Figure 2
Figure 2
A model depicting the effect of extreme noxious environmental cues on the conversion of azole effect from static to cidal in vitro.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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