What are the most important predisposing factors for acquiring mucormycosis?

Mucormycosis is caused by rapidly growing molds from several genera, including Apophysomyces, Mucor, Rhizopus, Absidia, and Rhizomucor. These organisms are ubiquitous in decaying vegetation, fruit, and bread. Approximately one third of patients have diabetes, and diabetics in ketoacidosis are at especially high risk. Other reported associations include malnutrition, uremia, neutropenia, corticosteroid therapy, burns, antibiotic therapy, neonatal prematurity, deferoxamine therapy, and HIV-infected individuals with a history of intravenous drug use. The neutrophil is the predominant component of host defense.

Gonzalez CE, Rinaldi MG, Sugar AM: Zygomycosis, Infect Dis Clin North Am 16:895–914, 2002.