Page 122 - FINAL COMPENDIUM 2020-2021 27.2.2022

ZYGOMYCOSIS OF THE ORAL CAVITY IN A MAIN REFERRAL CENTER IN MALAYSIA: A
CASE SERIES
NMRR-21-571-59239

Zafirah Hani M, Ajura AJ

Introduction: Zygomycosis is a rare opportunistic fungal infection caused by fungi in the
subphylum Mucoromycotina. The species Rhizopus spp within the order Mucorales is
the most common species identified in humans. Immunocompromised patients may
harbour the disease by inhalation of the spores from the environment into the
paranasal sinuses. Rhino-orbital-cerebral is the most common form which extends into
the oral cavity, especially to the palate. Objective: To report this rare occurrence to
contribute to the literature and raise awareness about this condition among clinicians.
Case study: We present 9 cases of zygomycosis diagnosed in the Stomatology Unit,
Institute for Medical Research (IMR), Malaysia. Most of the patients are
immunocompromised and presented as the rhino-orbital-cerebral form. Routine
hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining were used for all cases while selected cases
required additional special staining. The characteristic histological features of broad,
non-septate, branched, amphophilic fungal hyphae are seen. Conclusion: To date, this
is the first compilation of oral zygomycosis cases known to be reported in Malaysia.

Poster presentation at the 22 NIH Scientific Conference 2021 on 21-23 September 2021.
nd
Dr Zafirah Hani Mohamad
Dr Ajura Abdul Jalil
Stomatology Unit
Cancer Research Centre (CaRC)
Institute for Medical Research (IMR)
National Institute of Health (NIH)

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