Zygomycosis, patient photo
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Mucorales is zygomycosis, rather than mucormycosis. The members of this order are opportunistic fungi with broad, generally non-septate hyphae. The most common infections are with Rhizopus spp., the common breadmold. Other members of this order of fungi known to cause human disease include: Rhizomucor spp., Mucor spp., Absidia spp., and Cuninghamella spp. The infection is more common in diabetics, especially those with poor control, since these fungi prefer an acidic environment. Involvement of the orbit, nasal sinuses, and frontal lobe is typical. Invasion of arteries is the rule, with infarcts of skin and soft tissue, hence the black eschar. Treatment is early, radical surgery. Mortality is very high. These organisms are inherently resistant to Amphotericin B, but it is still used clinically.