Non-Aspergillus mold diseases are caused by a wide variety of molds that are not from the Aspergillus genus. The most frequent non-Aspergillus mold diseases fit in the categories of mucormycosis and fusariosis. Mucormycoses are caused by molds from a variety of genera (e.g., Rhizopus, Mucor). These fungi typically live in the environment—in the soil, on plants, and on decaying material like fallen trees. Humans are constantly exposed to these fungi in the form of fungal spores we breathe in every day. Similar to invasive aspergillosis, infection from non-Aspergillus molds are rare but typically present in individuals with compromised immune systems. Non-Aspergillus molds also typically start in one location such as the lungs and can disseminate to any other part of the body. The potential for dissemination may be even greater than the risk for dissemination in patients with Aspergillus. These infections are fatal if left untreated and even when treated still have a high mortality rate.
What are non-Aspergillus mold infections?
Non-Aspergillus mold infections are caused by a wide variety of molds that are not from the Aspergillus genus.
Who gets non-Aspergillus mold infections?
A compromised immune system is the highest risk factor for developing an infection with a non-Aspergillus mold. General risk factors for infection with these non-Aspergillus molds include older age and immunosuppression from medical interventions such as patients receiving chemotherapy for hematologic malignancies, recipients of bone marrow or organ transplantation, patients receiving immunosuppressive drugs for the treatment of various conditions, patients infected by HIV, patients born with an underlying immune system problem, and critically ill patients.
What causes non-Aspergillus mold infections?
Similar to invasive aspergillosis, immunocompromised patients in close contact with non-Aspergillus molds may develop IFD through inhalation of fungal spores dispersed in the air or if spores land on the skin or are introduced through local trauma to the skin.
How are non-Aspergillus mold infections diagnosed?
Diagnosis is challenging and often delayed. Imaging is recommended to localize infection and to guide sampling of infected tissue for culture and histopathology. Current blood tests for non-Aspergillus molds are limited.
What is the treatment for non-Aspergillus mold infections?
In general, lipid preparations of amphotericin B or broader spectrum azole antifungals (posaconazole, isavuconazole) are used for treatment.