Why does mucormycosis affect the individuals on iron therapy?
Mucormycosis is a fungal infection that includes mucor species that are highly implicated. They are complicated in immunocompromised individuals (HIV, DIABETES).
The skin barrier represents a host defense against cutaneous mucormycosis, as evidenced by the increased risk for developing mucormycosis in persons with disruption of this barrier. The agents of mucormycosis are typically incapable of penetrating intact skin. However, burns, traumatic disruption of the skin, and persistent maceration of skin enable the organism to penetrate into deeper tissues. These organisms could originate from traumatic implantation of contaminated soil or water (eg, the outbreaks after natural disasters, as was seen after the tsunami in Indonesia in 2004 and after the destructive tornadoes that occurred in Joplin, Missouri, in June 2011).In addition to host factors that predispose patients to mucormycosis, Mucorales possess virulence factors that enable the organism to cause disease. One such trait is the ability to acquire iron from the host. Iron is an essential element for cell growth and development, contributing to many vital processes of the cell
Nowadays COVID-19 has become a major risk factor for mucormycosis.
Patients undergoing iron therapy have a high risk for this fungal infection.,
BECAUSE
Patients with renal failure undergo DEFEROXAMINE IRON CHELATION THERAPY i.e, the iron therapy, which is used to reduce the increased iron load in patients by chelating the excess iron.
This deferoxamine is a siderophore (that chelates the iron from the essentials and transports the iron through the cell membrane of the fungi or bacteria).
So this mucor develops well in the iron-rich environment and affects individuals under iron therapy