Tropical entomophthoromycoses

A review was made about human entomophthoromycosis observed in tropical areas due to fungi of the order Entomophthorales. Rhinophycomycosis is caused by Entomophthora coronata, a cosmopolitan fungus which is only pathogen in wet tropical and subtropical climates. The disease, a muco-cutaneous infection of the face, induces monstruous deformations. Basidiobolomycosis is caused by Basidiobolus meristosporus, a saprophyte of different amphibians and reptiles very often present in the family Agamidae. The disease interests the subcutaneous tissues and is mainly located at the trunk, shoulders and upper part of the limbs. The epidemiology, clinic and therapeutic were reported. Histopathological lesions and morphology of both fungi were studied. The etiology of the casual agents of these mycoses was discussed.