Final answer:
Rhino-orbital cerebral mucormycosis is a serious fungal infection caused by inhaling spores from Mucorales fungi, predominantly in immunocompromised patients. Symptoms include headaches and fever, with possible severe complications involving the brain. Treatment primarily involves intravenous amphotericin B and may require surgical debridement.
Step-by-step explanation:
Rhino-orbital cerebral mucormycosis is a severe fungal infection that occurs when the spores of fungi from the order Mucorales, such as the bread molds Rhizopus or Mucor, are inhaled and begin growing in the body. It primarily affects immunocompromised individuals, leading to an infection of the sinuses and potentially the brain. Some common symptoms include headache, fever, facial swelling, and tissue necrosis with black lesions in the oral cavity. Diagnosing this disease can be difficult as it requires tissue biopsy and visual identification of the fungus since no serological or PCR-based tests are currently available. Treatment typically involves the intravenous administration of amphotericin B and may include surgical debridement of superficial infections. The prognosis can be grim, with high mortality rates associated with the disease especially when treatment is not promptly administered.