Entomophthoramycosis

Entomophthoramycosis is a rare fungal infection caused by fungi in the order Entomophthorales. It primarily affects the skin and subcutaneous tissues, but can also affect the gastrointestinal tract and other organs. The disease is most commonly seen in tropical and subtropical regions.

Etiology

Entomophthoramycosis is caused by several species of fungi in the order Entomophthorales. The most common species causing human infection are Basidiobolus ranarum and Conidiobolus coronatus. These fungi are found in soil, decaying vegetation, and the gastrointestinal tract of insects and amphibians.

Clinical Presentation

The disease typically presents as a slowly progressive, painless subcutaneous nodule that can ulcerate and form sinus tracts. It can also present as a gastrointestinal infection with symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and weight loss. In rare cases, it can cause systemic infection affecting multiple organs.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is made by histopathological examination of tissue samples, which show broad, non-septate hyphae with right-angle branching. Culture of the fungus can also be performed, but is often not necessary for diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment involves surgical excision of the infected tissue and antifungal therapy with agents such as itraconazole or potassium iodide. In cases of gastrointestinal infection, oral itraconazole is the treatment of choice.

Epidemiology

Entomophthoramycosis is most commonly seen in tropical and subtropical regions, particularly in Africa and Southeast Asia. It is rare in temperate climates. The disease affects both children and adults, with a slight male predominance.

Prevention

Prevention involves avoiding contact with soil and decaying vegetation in endemic areas. No vaccine is currently available for this disease.

See Also

• Mycosis
• Subcutaneous Mycoses
• Tropical Medicine

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