DermNet provides Google Translate, a free machine translation service. Note that this may not provide an exact translation in all languages
Home Topics A–Z Mucormycosis pathology
Author: Assoc Prof Patrick Emanuel, Dermatopathologist, Auckland, New Zealand, 2013.
Mucormycosis is a fungal infection caused by organisms of the Mucorales order. Rhizopus species are the most commonly involved. Lichthemia (formerly Absidia) and Mucor are other less common causes.
The fungal forms of mucormycosis are broad, non-septate hyphae (figure 1). They are wider than Aspergillus species and branch irregularly. The angle of branching is greater than other organisms, and usually approaches 90° (figure 2, arrow)
Angioinvasion is common and may elicit intravascular thrombosis. There is often a marked inflammatory response which may be neutrophilic and granulomatous. Sometimes, there is minimal inflammatory response, particularly in immunosuppressed individuals.
Mucormycosis pathology
Mucormycosis organisms may easily be seen on haematoxylin and eosin sections (figure 1). Special stains with PAS (figure 2) or GMS can be used to highlight the organisms and allow a clearer assessment of the morphology.
Aspergillosis – Aspergillus species have thinner septate hyphae with regular branching and they branch at acute angles (45° as opposed to 90°).
Books about skin diseases
© 2022 DermNet New Zealand Trust.
DermNet NZ does not provide an online consultation service. If you have any concerns with your skin or its treatment, see a dermatologist for advice.