Abstract

POST CORONAVIRUS DISEASE MUCORMYCOSIS:- A DEADLY ADDITION TO THE PANDEMIC SPECTRUM

Sukanya Sunil Tawade*, Siddhant Anand Sawant and Aakanksha Sunil Kasale

Abstract

Mucormycosis, which was previously called zygomycosis, is a rare yet serious fungal infection that is very aggressive and potentially lifethreatening. Mucormycosis is an emerging angioinvasive infection caused by the ubiquitous filamentous fungi of the Mucorales order of the class of Zygomycetes. Therefore, our ability to determine the burden of disease is limited. Based on anatomic localization, mucormycosis can be classified as one of 6 forms: rhinocerebral, pulmonary, cutaneous, gastrointestinal, disseminated, and uncommon presentations. Current epidemiological trends indicate a shift toward infections by Aspergillus spp., non-albicans Candida spp., and previously uncommon fungal pathogens that have decreased susceptibility to the available antifungal agents. The disease has a close link to diabetes, and conditions which compromise the immune system. Experts have said that an overuse during the COVID-19 pandemic of certain drugs which suppress the immune system could be causing the surge. These species exist as spores and thrive in dry, humid, and arid conditions. These transmit through the air and result in mild to severe infections in immunocompromised individuals. It diagnose by clinical examination, tissue biopsy, fungal culture etc. There are essentially two main treatment modalities – antifungal therapy and surgery. Besides these, adjunctive treatment approaches and controlling the underlying immunocompromising condition, have also been suggested.

Keywords: Zygomycosis/Mucormycosis, Mucor, Covid-19, Amphotericin B.