Mucormycosis (sometimes called zygomycosis) is a serious but rare fungal infection caused by a group of molds called mucormycetes. These fungi live throughout the environment, particularly in soil and in decaying organic matter, such as leaves, compost piles, or rotten wood.

People get mucormycosis by coming in contact with the fungal spores in the environment. For example, the lung or sinus forms of the infection can occur after someone breathes in spores. These forms of mucormycosis usually occur in people who have health problems or take medicines that lower the body’s ability to fight germs and sickness. Mucormycosis can also develop on the skin after the fungus enters the skin through a cut, scrape, burn, or other type of skin trauma.

Mucor racemosus is primarily a soil fungus, but has been found elsewhere, like horse manure, plant remains, grains, vegetables and nuts. In the tropics it is found at the higher altitudes. It is often seen on soft fruit, fruit juice and marmalade.

Mucor is a fast-growing strain of mold, even more so than many other strains. It has a fluffy or cottony texture and is initially white or yellow in color, later becoming gray. Like all types of mold, it can cause health problems and can also damage your home. 

Symptoms of Mucormycosis

The symptoms of mucormycosis depend on where in the body the fungus is growing.

Contact your healthcare provider if you have symptoms that you think are related to mucormycosis.

Symptoms of rhinocerebral (sinus and brain) mucormycosis include:

- One-sided facial swelling

- Headache

- Nasal or sinus congestion

- Black lesions on nasal bridge or upper inside of mouth that quickly become more severe

- Fever

Symptoms of pulmonary (lung) mucormycosis include:

- Fever

- Cough

- Chest pain

- Shortness of breath

Cutaneous (skin) mucormycosis can look like blisters or ulcers, and the infected area may turn black. Other symptoms include pain, warmth, excessive redness, or swelling around a wound.

Symptoms of gastrointestinal mucormycosis include:

- Abdominal pain

- Nausea and vomiting

- Gastrointestinal bleeding

Disseminated mucormycosis typically occurs in people who are already sick from other medical conditions, so it can be difficult to know which symptoms are related to mucormycosis. Patients with disseminated infection in the brain can develop mental status changes or coma.