COULD MUCORMYCOSIS IS MORE DEADLY THAN COVID’19

 

Introduction

In India, patients who have recovered from COVID’19 are progressively being identified with Mucormycosis or black fungus. This is an uncommon fungal infection caused by a group of fungi called mucormycetes, generally found in the environment. Though this condition is uncommon and attacks people with compromised immune systems, not treating it in time can be potentially life-threatening. This is why recovering COVID'19 patients have been falling prey to this fungal infection. COVID-19 patients with uncontrolled diabetes and lower immune systems are especially at a higher danger of developing this condition.

What is a Fungus?

These are organic entities separate from the plants and animal kingdoms. They are everywhere in nature and are found in dirt, plants, decaying organic matter, water, air, damp places, and also in people and creatures. They play a vital part in our biological system along with bacteria, by degrading organic matter into simpler forms for the utilization of plants. They include household yeast, molds, mushrooms, and few others. There are about 1,44,000 species of fungi (plural for fungus), out of which some of them are pathogenic to people. The most well-known being Candida, Aspergillus, Cryptococcus, Histoplasma, Pneumocystis, and Mucormycetes.

About Mucormycosis (Black Fungus)

The black fungus also called Mucormycosis, is an uncommon yet risky infection. Black fungus is caused by getting into contact with organism spores in the environment. It can also form in the skin after the fungus enters through a cut, scrape, burn, or another type of skin injury.

Mucormycosis is a moderately uncommon yet serious fungal infection that can be caused by several types of fungal species. While these fungi are generally found in the environment, especially in soil and organic matter, most people with a healthy immune system can clear the infection and are at minimal risk. However, individuals who are on medication to suppress their immune system or people with uncontrolled diabetes are at a higher risk.

Types of fungal infections:

1.      Most common fungal diseases

• Fungal Nail Infections
• Ringworm
• Vaginal Candidiasis
• Candida infections of the mouth, throat, and esophagus
• Athlete’s foot
• Jock itch
• Onychomycosis

 

2.      Fungal diseases that affect people who live in or travel to certain areas,

• Blastomycosis
• C. gattii Infection
• Paracoccidioidomycosis
• Valley Fever (Coccidioidomycosis)
• Histoplasmosis

 

3.      Fungal diseases that affect people with weakened immune systems

• Aspergillosis
• C. neoformans Infection
• Pneumocystis pneumonia
• Mucormycosis
• Talaromycosis (formerly Penicilliosis)

 

4.      Other diseases and health problems caused by fungi

• Fungal Eye Infections
• Sporotrichosis
• Mycetoma

Treatment for Black Fungus:

The treatment for mucormycosis should be quick and aggressive to decrease the impacts of the infection. Prompt action reduces the amount of tissue harm and helps turn around the current harm. The usual course of therapy includes medical and/or surgical treatments and this depends on the seriousness of the infection and the patient’s overall health condition.

 The treatment for mucormycosis may include:

• Surgical debridement of the infected region.
• Antifungal drugs like Amphotericin B (intravenous) to moderate the spread of the infection.
• Other antifungals, as Posaconazole or Isavuconazole, to treat the condition,
• Along with these medications, a patient’s underlying condition like uncontrolled diabetes should be managed.
• Steroid medications are stopped for patients as they permit the fungus to take over the body’s immune system.
• Long-term antifungal treatment to manage the infection.

Due to the complicated nature of mucormycosis, its treatment generally requires a group of specialists, surgeons, and microbiologists. It is suggested that patients don't attempt self-medicating for the infection at home.

Preventions for Black Fungus:

• Humidifier cleaning and substitution (for those using Oxygen Concentrators).
• The humidifier the container should be sterilized with normal saline and refilled on a regular basis.
• Masks should be disinfected consistently, and they should not be utilized for quite a long time.
• People who use steroids should also monitor their blood sugar levels.
• During the COVID’19 treatment, embarrassed oxygen should be used.
• Practicing great cleanliness and maintaining the hygiene of their surroundings.
• Brushing and gargling daily is very useful.
• If you have recovered from COVID, it is basic to wear masks to keep the infection from entering the body.
• Diabetic patients should monitor their diabetes under control and monitor their blood glucose levels.
• These should be observed, particularly after infection with Covid’19. Steroid use is to be decreased, and immunomodulating drugs are to be discontinued.

Is Black Fungus Contagious?

Not at all like COVID’19, mucormycosis isn't contagious. Many people who come into contact with similar fungi don't develop an infection. It influences people who are weak, whose immune systems are not sufficiently able to fight the infection. People with weak immune systems facing a high risk of mucormycosis include people with diabetes, cancer, HIV, a skin injury, or surgery. 

Conclusion

As we wait for our turn to get immunized, we are witnessing newer and more serious conditions related to COVID’19. Mucormycosis (black fungus) is one such deadly fungal infection witnessed among COVID’19 patients across emergency clinics in India.

 

People with diabetes, those on steroids and humidified oxygen for quite a while, and COVID patients with prior co-morbidities are the most vulnerable to this infection. Others include those on long-term immunosuppressive medications and cancer patients.

 

It is vital to understand and be aware of such health complications and side effects during the pandemic. It helps in starting the necessary treatment on schedule.