Mucormycosis: Complication or Negligence!

Mucormycosis

Abstract

ABSTRACT

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to rush, several doctors have reported an increase in cases of mucormycosis infection, popularly known as 'black fungus', among patients recovering from COVID-19. As the mucormycosis crisis is increasing in India it is essential for every individual who has recovered from COVID-19 to identify the early alarming sign of this black fungal infection. Mucormycosis is a deep fungal infection that occurs as acute and aggressive forms infecting the air sinuses, brain, and lungs. The infection may cause severe pain behind eye and leads to blindness in the infected individuals. The loss of eyesight is begun when the fungus grows behind the eye due to compression of optic nerve. It can be life-threatening in severely immunocompromised patients. Several reports suggest that the oral and craniofacial region is highly susceptible to mucormycosis infection. Probabilities for mucormycosis recovery depend on early diagnosis and treatment. The exact etiology of this infection is not evident. This fungal outbreak can be multifactorial may be due to steroid therapy, high glucose level in blood, free iron, or it may be hospital acquired. Careful vigilance is the key to catch the early signs of mucormycosis infection and initiate the appropriate management for successful clinical outcomes.  

Keywords: mucormycosis, black fungus, comorbidities, diabetes, steroid therapy, hospital-acquired, outbreak.