ABSTRACT
Introduction: Rhinocerebral mycoses are not only caused by Aspergillus spp. and Zygomycetes group but also can be associated with other rare species like Neurospora, Cladosporium, and Fusarium spp. post-COVID mucormycosis is caused by geriatric age group patients who have comorbidities like Diabetes Mellitus and/or Hypertension too. Clinical symptoms of COVID and Mucormycosis are a critical and relentless situation without a saving grace even with treatment. Case series We are reporting 3 patients with COVID-19 infection, who during the course of the treatment, developed rhino-orbital-cerebral mycosis including oral cavity involvement. Rhinocerebral mycosis along with Oral cavity involvement was diagnosed by radiological investigations and preliminary screening for fungal infection (KOH mount) in all three cases. Empirical treatment was started but patients were not responding to treatment. All patients succumbed even after debridement and Maxillectomy type crucial surgical procedures. Onculture, rare species of fungi were isolated in all cases which were identified with the help of a reference laboratory. Neurospora is considered nonpathogenic to humans. Cladosporium is a dematiaceous fungus found in soil in all climates, associated with disseminated or cerebral infections;and Fusarium though considered a saprophytic colonizer of skin and respiratory mucosa along with other bacteria and common cause of mycotic keratitis worldwide. Conclusion Immune system modifications due to COVID-19 with/without other risk factors result in fungal co-infections proving to be fatal for the patients. It is vital to be aware that COVID-19 patients, particularly those who are critically ill, may acquire secondary fungal infections and early detection is critical.
ABSTRACT
Numerous speculations have continually emerged, trying to explore the association between COVID-19 infection and a varied range of demographic and clinical factors. Frontline healthcare workers have been at the forefront of this illness exposure. However, there is a paucity of large cohort-based association studies, performed among Indian health care professionals, exploring their potential risk and predisposing factors. This study aims to systematically utilize the demographic and clinical data of over 3000 healthcare workers from a tertiary hospital in India to gain significant insights on the associations between disease prevalence, severity, and post-infection symptoms.