Seasonal variations in rhino-cerebral Mucor infection.
OBJECTIVE
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.
Shpitzer
Thomas
T
Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Rabin Medical Center, Beilinson Campus, Petah Tikvah, Israel.
Keller
Nathan
N
Wolf
Michael
M
Goldschmied-Reouven
Anna
A
Bahar
Gideon
G
Bahar
Irit
I
Kronenberg
Jona
J
Feinmesser
Raphael
R
Talmi
Yoav P
YP
D001927:Brain Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000382:microbiology; D011232:Chemical Precipitation; D015821:Eye Infections, Fungal / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000382:microbiology; D005260:Female; D019337:Hematologic Neoplasms / Q000150:complications; D006801:Humans; D016867:Immunocompromised Host; D015994:Incidence; D007557:Israel / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D009091:Mucormycosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000382:microbiology; D009668:Nose Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000382:microbiology; D009916:Orbital Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000382:microbiology; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012233:Rhizopus / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D012621:Seasons; D013696:Temperature