Oral Manifestations of Mucormycosis: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Mucormycosis is a rare, opportunistic, and emerging fungal infection that can rapidly develop into a severe, highly fatal clinical picture. In most cases, it is caused by fungi of the order Mucorales, which are usually avirulent but become pathogenic when the host’s immune system is compromised. This systematic review was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. The databases searched included PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. We chose articles that analyzed the oral manifestations of patients with mucormycosis, were published between 2018 and 2023, and met our search terms. The risk of bias in the articles was assessed using the CARE guideline for case reports and STROBE for a cross-sectional study. After the selection process, 20 articles were included in this review, all containing information about the different oral manifestations presented by people with mucormycosis. The most common oral manifestations are mainly bone exposures and oral ulcers, halitosis, pus discharge, gingival thickening, and periodontitis. However, despite the importance of recognizing these oral manifestations in the early stages of mucormycotic infection, providing early treatment, and reducing the high mortality rate of the infection, more studies are needed.

Miltefosine: A Repurposing Drug against Mucorales Pathogens

“…Mucorales are considered opportunistic pathogens because they are frequently related to infections in immunocompromised patients, and although their incidence is low, cases have been increasing during the last few decades, especially in this group of patients [4]. The most common clinical manifestations are rhino-cerebral, pulmonary, cutaneous, gastrointestinal, and disseminated infections [5]. Angioinvasion is an important characteristic of invasive mucormycosis, which consists of penetration of the endothelium and the formation of thrombosis and tissue necrosis, facilitating the hematological dissemination of the fungi [1].…”

The Effect of Ficin Immobilized on Carboxymethyl Chitosan on Biofilms of Oral Pathogens

“…Opportunistic microorganisms can also cause systemic diseases, including those of the gastrointestinal tract and the cardiovascular system [12]. At the same time, the biofilms of the oral cavity are often a shelter for opportunistic microorganisms and a source of recurrent infections [13,14], making their eradication one of the key challenges in oral care.…”