What is Mucormycosis Infection?
- Mucormycosis is a fungal infection caused by a group of molds known as mucormycetes (CDC, 2015). Patients come in contact with the mold spores in soil or compost and inhale the spores into the lungs. People with weakened immune systems are at greater risk to developing Mucor pneumonia; this includes patients with uncontrolled diabetes, prolonged corticosteroid use, burns, IDU and premature infants (CDC, 2015). Nursing interventions include appropriate antifungal treatment, proper oral care, incentive spirometry and proper positioning to allow for more effective coughing (semi-fowlers or high-fowlers).
- WBC elevated related to infection, lymphocytes 10% due to compromised immune system, PaO2 59 mg the patient is hypoxic on room air; the labs also show that the patient’s ABGs are not WDL. HCO3 29, PaCO2 25 and pH 7.5 indicates partially compensated respiratory alkalosis likely due to poor breathing pattern.
- Patients will be treated with an antifungal agent such as amphoteracin B, posaconazole or isavuconazole (CDC, 2015). Treatments might include hyperbaric O2 therapy and/or debridement or resection of the infected tissue (CDC, 2015).