Sketchy Micro: Mucormycosis

Question 1

This Sketch deals with two strains of fungi: ______________.

Answer 1

Mucor (like the MU CaR garage) and Rhizopus (like their slogan: “RIdes ‘r US”)

Question 2

Rhizopus and Mucor affect which two populations?

Answer 2

Immunocompromised people (like the old man with the cane) and diabetics (like the jar of candy that the old man is reaching into)

Question 3

Where does Rhizopus come from?

Answer 3

Bread (like the baguette the old man is holding)

Question 4

How are these fungi transmitted?

Answer 4

Via inhalation (like the mechanic coughing from the smoke)

Question 5

The most common predisposing factor for Mucormycosis is ______________.

Answer 5

DKA, because these bacteria thrive on sugar and ketones

Think of the Ketone auto parts advertised on the desk.

Question 6

What’s the best way to histologically distinguish Mucormycosis from Aspergillus?

Answer 6

Aspergillus has acute-angle branches with septations (like the branching peanut plant), while Mucormycosis has 90º-angle branches without septations (like the tire irons on the wall)

Question 7

Mucor and Rhizopus typically invade ___________.

Answer 7

blood vessels (like the red jumper cables dangling from the car)

Question 8

How do these fungi typically invade the brain?

Answer 8

Through the cribriform plate (like the oil pan with holes in it)

Question 9

What is the ultimate bad outcome of Rhizopus and Mucor infections?

Answer 9

Rhinocerebral mucormycosis occurs when these fungi infect the face and frontal lobes, leading to eschars and necrotic tissue around the eyes.

(Think of the oil dripping on the mechanic’s face.)

Question 10

What is the treatment for rhinocerebral mucormycosis?

Answer 10

Surgical debridement of necrotic tissue and then amphotericin (like the frog car!)