MUCORMYCOSIS IN DENTISTRY

Mucormycosis is a fungal infection, caused by mucorales which are lamentous molds, found predominantly in the immune-compromised patients. Mucorales have a natural susceptibility which are killed by human phagocytes, that eventually exaggerates its virulent power. some belonging genera of mucorales are rhizopus, lichtheimia mucor, cunninghamella, rhizomucor. This article will dwealth into the classication, signs & symptoms, oral manifestations, risk factors, pathogenesis, stages of mucormycosis, early diagnosis and treatment which will reduce the mortality and morbidity of fatal fungal infection. The prevelancy of the disease states that about 70-75% higher cases are recorded in india in comparable to all the other countries globally. It is also seen than only 6 to 10 % of the cases occur in the subjects with no underlying disease or cause as in contrast it usually affects immunocompromised human bodies with poorly controlled diabetes and hypertensive patients. The fungi invades the blood vessels leading to thrombosis, necrosis and infarction of the tissue. Mucormycosis can progress rapidly and it may delay the initiation of the treatment in even few days and may lead to worst consequences. The primary line of treatment is amphotericin B, the newer triazoles, posaconazole and isavuconazole can be effective in patients who are resistant towards the amphotericin B. early surgical excision plays a pivotal role in the management of the mucormycosis.