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Rhino-maxillary Mucormycosis with Associated Actinomycosis: Fungal and Bacterial Collusion

Author: Godge Pournima, Shroff Jashika, S.M. Meghana, Kulkarni Sandip and Shah Rohit

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Abstract

Mucormycosis, an acute angioinvasive fatal disease caused by filamentous fungi of order mucorales has emerged as an important fungal infection in immunocompromised patients with a mortality of 10% to as high as 100%. One of the aggressive variants of the disease is rhinocerebralmucormycosis, which is further subdivided into rhinomaxillary and rhino-oculocerebral forms of the infection. Concomitant fungal and bacterial infection of the maxillofacial region along with mucormycosis although uncommon, due to rich vascularity of this specific region, may present with widespread jaw bone necrosis and poses a diagnostic challenge for an oral physician. Here, we present an unusual case of rhinomaxillary form of mucormycosis developed post extraction, associated with granulomatous suppurative actinomycosis, in a 50 year-old diabetic male.

Keywords

Mucorales, ray fungus, concomitant infection, immunocompromised patient, Maxilla, Diabetes Mellitus

Conclusion

Simultaneous coexistence of two fatal diseases of cervicofacial region, mucormycosis and actinomycosis may be diagnostically challenging for dental surgeons due to unfamiliarity with its clinical presentation. Early and prompt recognition of such conditions which tend to spread rapidly is very crucial as they may mimic dental-related infections simulating a malignant disease. And frequently, they may be associated with underlying systemic conditions that may be quiescent. Finally, a multi-disciplinary team approach along with early diagnosis, management of underlying medical condition accompanied by aggressive surgical intervention are the key to improving the outcome of such patients.

References

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How to cite this article

Godge Pournima, Shroff Jashika, S.M. Meghana, Kulkarni Sandip and Shah Rohit (2023). Rhino-maxillary Mucormycosis with Associated Actinomycosis: Fungal and Bacterial Collusion. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 15(5a): 603-607.