Not all Aseptate Fungi are Mucor: Decoding Entomophthorales

The term "entomophthoromycosis" describes a group of rare subcutaneous and mucocutaneous fungal infections that are most common in tropical and subtropical regions. The inhalation of spores or the traumatic implantation of plant material are the most common causes of this gradually spreading infection. The two genera which are pathogenic to humans are Conidiobolus spp. and Basidiobolus spp. that causes conidobolomycosis and basidiobolomycosis respectively. 

Immunocompetent hosts are usually affected by entomophthoroamycosis. The exponential rise of this infection with increased international travel and the high index of suspicion in the presence of atypical subcutaneous tissue swelling, abdominal tumours and concomitant eosinophilia make it worthy of physician’s attention. The best chance of recovery is possible only by early biopsy diagnosis, prompt antifungal medication administration and total surgical resection. 

The disease's nomenclature was revised to reflect current phylogenetic taxonomy, clearing up any ambiguity in the definitions of conditions that were previously grouped under the term zygomycosis. As a result, it becomes simpler to comprehend these fungi, which ultimately results in a reduction or elimination of the rates of morbidity and/or mortality they cause. 

Prompt identification of the underlying condition and the pathogenic fungal agent is essential for effective treatment approaches in fungal infections. Therefore, in order to maximise the comprehension and definition of these diseases, the ecological, taxonomic, clinical, and diagnostic differences are addressed.