Mucormycosis in COVID-19

ABSTRACT

COVID-19 a global pandemic started in December 2019 and in these last year it has been linked to a range of bacterial, fungal, and viral infections. Mucormycosis sometimes known as black fungus is one of the rare but deadly angioinvaise fungal infection caused by group of fungi mucormycocetes which leads to upsurge of Mucormycosis in COVID-19 patients. Many states in India have declared mucormycosis as an epidemic due to its upsurge in numbers and higher fatality rate. Though mucorales can affect the any part of body but it has tissue tropism towards nasal sinuses, orbit, CNS, pulmonary, skin. Most common clinical presentation of fungi is infection of sinus with nasal blockage and discharge. Mucormycosis is a non-contagious fungal infection, more common in immune compromised patient. Acute inflammatory reactions in COVID-19, corticosteroids treatment and diabetes enfeeble the immunity and it makes the perfect storm for Mucormycosis. Diabetes that isn't well managed results in the acidosis a satisfactory environment for fungi to grow. An early diagnosis and management can decrease the fatality rate. Aim: The goal of this study is to provide a comprehensive overview of the literature concerning Mucormycosis aetiology, features, and management and how it can be prevented in COVID-19 (SARSCoV-2) patients. Conclusion: COVID-19, overuse of corticosteroid along with uncontrolled diabetes leads to an upsurge of mucormycosis. So an effort should be made to stringently monitor and keep the blood glucose level under control and judicious use of corticosteroid and antibiotics should be practiced in COVID-19 patients.