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Zygomycetes are the causative agents of zygomycosis

Medical expert of the article

Internist infectious disease
, medical expert
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024

Zygomycoses (ficomycoses) are caused by zygomycetes belonging to lower fungi with unsepted hyphae (mushrooms of the genera Rhizopus, Absidia, Rhizoinucor, Basidiobolus, Conidioboius, Canninghameila, Saksenaea, etc.).

Pathogens of zygomycosis

Morphology and physiology of zygomycetes

Zygomycetes consist of hyphae without partitions. Reproduction is asexual with the formation of sporangiospores and sex with the formation of zygospores. Sporogenous sporangia, containing spore pus from the pores, depart from the sporophagous sphirangiophores. Zygospores are formed during the sexual process and the result of the fusion of two cells that are not differentiated into gametes. The aerial mycelium of some zygomycetes (Rhizopus) has arched-bent hyphae - "whiskers", or stolons. The mycelium is attached to the substrate by special branches.

Zygomycete antigens

Antigens of fungi are different: Mucor mucedu forms large (up to 200 μm) yellow-brown sporangia with oval spores; Rhizopus nigricans forms a dark brown mycelium with blackish sporangia (diameter up to 150 μm), containing rough spores; Absidia cotymbifera forms sporangia with a diameter of 40-60 microns, containing colorless ellipsoid, smooth, less often rough spores. Zigomitsety - aerobes. They grow on simple nutrient media, Saburo's medium; optimum growth at 22-37 ° C.

Pathogenesis and symptoms of zygomycosis

Fungi cause mycosis in immunocompromised individuals. They produce lipases and proteases that promote the spread of fungi in the tissues. In immunodeficient individuals fungi penetrate into the blood vessels, causing thrombosis. A lightning-fast form of infection is known - rhinocerebral zygomycosis. Ischemic necrosis of tissues and the formation of polymorphonuclear infiltrate occur. There are invasive pulmonary zygomycosis, as well as gastrointestinal and cutaneous forms of the disease. The brain, eyes and other organs and tissues are also affected . In patients, cellular immunity develops, accompanied by HRT.

Epidemiology of zygomycosis

Zygomycetes are widely distributed in soil, air, food, on decaying plants, fruits. Spores of fungi penetrate into the body by an aerogenic mechanism when inhaled or in contact with injured gastrointestinal tract (alimentary tract) and skin (by contact).

trusted-source[1], [2], [3], [4], [5], [6], [7]

Microbiological diagnosis of zygomycosis

When microscopic smears from a pathological material reveal a wide uneven thickness of unsepted hyphae (septa occur rarely). On nutrient media, gray, black-gray, brown colonies are formed. Antibodies are detected in IFA, RP.

Treatment of zygomycosis

Treatment of zygomycosis consists in the use of amphotericin B, new triazolam (posaconazole). Surgical treatment of foci of mucorosis is carried out.

How to prevent zygomycosis?

Intrahospital infection is prevented by monitoring the sterility of medical equipment and air purity. Sanitary and hygienic measures are carried out.


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