The zygomycetes

Abstract

The class Zygomycetes is a large group of fungi that comprise two orders of medical interest, the Mucorales and the Entomophthorales. Zygomycoses caused by Entomophthorales are generally chronic infections seen in immunocompetent patients, mostly in tropical areas (Dromer & McGinnis, 2002). General description of Entomophthorales and associated diseases have been reviewed recently (Prabhu & Patel, 2004; Ribes et al., 2000) and as no major advancement has been made recently in the knowledge and management of entomophthoromycosis, these fungi will not be detailed in this chapter. Human pathogens belonging to the order Mucorales are grouped into six families (Table 7.1) and comprise approximately 20 species in approximately 10 genera. The most frequent species responsible for zygomycosis are Rhizopus spp., Mucor spp., Rhizomucor spp., and Absidia spp. (Ribes et al., 2000). Other species such as Cunninghamella bertholletiae, Apophysomyces elegans, and Saksaenea vasiformis have been less frequently reported as etiological agents of zygomycosis.