Seasonal variations in rhino-cerebral mucor infection

Thomas Shpitzer, Nathan Keller, Michael Wolf, Anna Goldschmied-Reouven, Gideon Bahar, Irit Bahar, Jona Kronenberg, Raphael Feinmesser, Yoav P. Talmi

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

26 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objectives: Rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis (ROCM) is an uncommon, potentially lethal infection that occurs mostly in immunocompromised hosts. The seasonal occurrence of ROCM was studied in two of Israel's largest medical centers. Methods: A total of 36 patients were seen during a 25-year period in this retrospective bi-institutional cohort study. Meteorologic data were obtained and analyzed for a possible linkage of infection with precipitation and temperature. Results: Twenty-one of the 36 patients (58%) presented between the months of August and October, and 27 patients (75%) presented between the months of August and December. A peak incidence of ROCM was noted in the month of September (13/36 patients; 36%). No association was noted between meteorologic conditions and the incidence of ROCM infection. Conclusions: A consistent seasonal peak was observed in ROCM. Heightened awareness is important for early recognition and treatment of this disease.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)695-698
Number of pages4
JournalAnnals of Otology, Rhinology and Laryngology
Volume114
Issue number9
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 2005
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Fungus
  • Hematologic malignancy
  • Mucormycosis
  • Season

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