Zygomycosis
Brian J. Hall, MD
John C. Hall, MD
David J. DiCaudo, MD
Key Facts
Terminology
Deep fungal infection caused by 2 orders (Mucorales, Entomophthorales)
Microscopic Pathology
Mucormycosis
Rarely septate, predominantly aseptate large, broad, ribbon-like hyphae with characteristic right angle branching
Entomophthoromycosis
Dermal and subcutaneous infiltrate with numerous eosinophils amid granulomatous inflammation and giant cells
Top Differential Diagnoses
Aspergillosis
Fusarium
Other deep fungal skin infections
 Undermining granulomatous purpuric abscess over the dorsal hand of a patient with zygomycosis is seen on biopsy. The patient had a heart transplant 2 years prior. |
 This case of zygomycosis due to Rhizopus spp. demonstrates deep subcutaneous involvement with surrounding necrotic tissue  . Note the broad, hollow-appearing organisms with right angle branching  . |
TERMINOLOGY
Synonyms
Mucormycosis, entomophthoromycosis (rhinophycomycosis), phycomycosis, basidiobolomycosis
Definitions
Deep fungal infection affecting immunocompromised (order Mucorales) or immunocompetent (order Entomophthorales) patients
ETIOLOGY/PATHOGENESIS
Infectious Agents
Zygomycota phylum contains Mucorales and Entomophthorales orders
Family Mucoraceae: Absidia, Apophysomyces, Mucor, Rhizomucor, and Rhizopus spp.
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