Mucor is “ ” (Maheen et al, 2014). It causes a disease called mucormycosis, a mold infection which could be life threatening and has to be treated emergently. “Mucormycosis is not common but can be frequent in immunocompromised patients (neutropenic, diabetic ketoacidosis) (NIH, 2016). Mucor is a fungus living in the soil. Humans can get infected through soil or inhaling it in the air. When a person inhales Mucor spores she or he can become infected with it. If a patient has weak immune system this fungus starts to grow in the lungs causing pneumonia. Symptoms might include cough, shortness of breath and fever. Early detection is crucial as this fungus can disseminate quickly (Maheen, 2014). Two interventions: This patient’s laboratory values point to the infection. WBC’s are elevated meaning the body is trying to fight the infection. Lymphocytes are low which might be sign of compromised immune system. Fasting glucose is high which means patient’s body is not in the homeostatic state, most probably is high due to infection. ABG’s are not WNL. They indicate patient’s respiratory system is compromised and are confirming pneumonia which is seen on the X-ray as well. Breathing is compromised which reflects PaO2 (low oxygen saturation) and PaCO2 being low . Patient’s respiratory rate is most probably elevated and breathing is not deep enough well. Oxygen exchange is not sufficient because of the infection therefore level of O2 and CO2 is not WNL. PH is high (alkaline) which leads to elevated bicarbonate levels as well. –      Amphotericin B, posaconazole, isavuconazole. These medications are antifungals. (Centers for  Disease Control [CDC], 2015). –      Steroids to decrease inflammation and improve breathing –      Cough medication, antipyretics and analgesics. 2.Treatments: –      possibly bronchoscopy or surgery . Mucor can cause tissue necrosis (CDC, 2015) –      breathing treatment and oxygen to increase gas exchange –      monitor ABG’s and vital signs closely to prevent deconditioning References: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2015). . Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/fungal/diseases/mucormycosis/treatment.htm Maheen Z. Abidi, Nayantara Coelho-Prabhu, James Hargreaves, Tim Weiland, Irminne Van Dyken, Aaron Tande, Pritish K. Tosh, Randall C. Walker, and Nathan W. Cummins, “Mucormycosis in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Case Series and Review of the Literature,” Case Reports in Medicine, vol. 2014, pp. 1–7, 2014. National Institute of Health. (2011). Retrieved from Ziaee, A., Zia, M., Bayat, M., & Hashemi, J. (2016). Molecular Identification of and Species in Pure Cultures of . , (4), e35237. http://doi.org/10.5812/jjm.35237

Mucormycosis is a mold infection caused by the fungus Mucor. Although not common, it can be life threatening, particularly in immunocompromised patients such as those with neutropenia or diabetic ketoacidosis. Mucor is a fungus that resides in the soil, and humans can become infected by either coming into contact with the soil or inhaling the spores in the air. When a person inhales Mucor spores, the fungus can grow in the lungs and cause pneumonia. Symptoms of mucormycosis may include cough, shortness of breath, and fever. Early detection is crucial as the infection can quickly spread throughout the body.

In the case of this patient, laboratory values indicate an infection and compromised immune system. The white blood cell count (WBC) is elevated, indicating the body’s attempt to fight the infection. The low lymphocyte count suggests a compromised immune system. The high fasting glucose level may be a result of the infection, indicating the body is not in a homeostatic state. The arterial blood gases (ABG) are not within normal limits, indicating a compromised respiratory system and confirming the presence of pneumonia, as shown on the X-ray. The patient’s respiratory rate is likely elevated, and breathing may not be deep enough, leading to insufficient oxygen exchange. The alkaline pH and elevated bicarbonate levels suggest respiratory alkalosis, possibly due to the lung infection.

To treat mucormycosis, several interventions can be considered. Antifungal medications such as amphotericin B, posaconazole, or isavuconazole can be prescribed. These medications can target the fungus and help eliminate the infection. Steroids may also be used to decrease inflammation and improve breathing. Cough medication, antipyretics, and analgesics can be given to alleviate symptoms such as cough and fever.

In more severe cases, additional treatments may be necessary. Bronchoscopy or surgery may be performed if tissue necrosis caused by the fungus is present. Breathing treatments and oxygen therapy can help increase gas exchange in the lungs and improve respiratory function. Close monitoring of arterial blood gases and vital signs is important to prevent deconditioning and ensure the patient’s overall well-being.

In conclusion, mucormycosis is a serious fungal infection caused by the fungus Mucor. It primarily affects immunocompromised individuals and can lead to life-threatening complications if not treated promptly. Early detection and intervention are crucial in managing this infection. Antifungal medications, steroids, and supportive care like oxygen therapy and breathing treatments are some of the treatment options available. Further interventions such as bronchoscopy or surgery may be necessary in severe cases. Close monitoring of laboratory values, vital signs, and symptoms is essential for successful management of mucormycosis.