Two decades of mucormycosis: molecular epidemiology and antifungal susceptibility trends in Türkiye.

BACKGROUND

Mucormycosis is a life-threatening invasive fungal infection that mainly affects individuals with weakened immune systems. Despite its clinical importance, data from Türkiye on the epidemiology and antifungal susceptibility of fungi belonging to the order Mucorales are scarce. This study aimed to describe the clinical, epidemiological, and mycological features of mucormycosis over a twenty-year period at a tertiary care hospital.

METHODS

All cases of mucormycosis diagnosed between 2003 and 2022 at Bursa Uludağ University Hospital were retrospectively evaluated. Cases were classified as proven or probable according to international definitions. Molecular identification was based on internal transcribed spacer sequencing. Large subunit ribosomal DNA region sequencing and whole-genome sequencing were performed when necessary. Antifungal susceptibility testing for amphotericin B and posaconazole was performed according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute M38 guideline. Statistical analyses included chi-square, Fisher's exact, Spearman's correlation, and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests.

RESULTS

A total of 187 cases were identified, comprising 134 proven and 53 probable. Rhino-cerebral infection was the most frequent form, followed by pulmonary disease. Hematologic malignancy was the most common underlying condition, and mortality was 52.9 percent. Molecular identification was achieved for 99 isolates, with Rhizopus arrhizus predominant and Rhizomucor pusillus second. Posaconazole exhibited greater in vitro activity than amphotericin B (p < 0.001), while Cunninghamella species showed elevated amphotericin B minimum inhibitory concentrations.

CONCLUSION

This single-center study provides the most comprehensive data on mucormycosis in Türkiye and highlights the importance of molecular surveillance to guide antifungal therapy and monitor regional variations.