What Is Mucormycosis Or Black Fungus, And Why Is Affecting So Many Covid-19 Patients?

Mucormycosis or black fungus infection is being reported among many Covid-19 patients across the country. There are several doubts among people regarding this somewhat mysterious infection. Dr Arun Sharma, Director National Institute for Implementation Research on Non-Communicable Diseases ( NIIRNCD) Jodhpur and a Community Medicine Expert, has answered some very basic questions about the infection which will help people understand it and will enable them to protect themselves from it

What is Mucormycosis?

Mucormycosis or black fungus infection is caused by a group of moulds known as mucormycetes, which are present in the air, water and moist surfaces around us, in damp places. It appears as black spots in the nasal cavity, mouth, throat. In a healthy person, the body¡¯s immunity does not allow it cause infection. However, in an immunocompromised person this can cause severe infection.

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Why is affecting so many Covid-19 patients?

It is generally affecting Covid-19 patients who are prescribed steroids or those who have uncontrolled diabetes. Though steroids are an effective treatment for some of the Covid-19 patients who develop severe inflammatory response. But steroids should always be given under medical supervision as if given too early, too much and for too long a duration, these can make one susceptible to catching secondary bacterial or fungal infections.

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What are the symptoms of Mucormycosis?

It manifests as black spores in the nasal cavity or mouth, swelling in cheek, pain or redness in the eye. If left untreated, it can cause blindness in the affected eye; can penetrate the brain and cause an altered mental state in the patient. When spread to the jaws, this deadly infection can loosen the teeth; and in the lungs, it can cause severe pneumonia.

Is it treatable?

Yes, if detected early, it can be treated effectively with the anti-fungal drugs. In severe cases, however, to save the life of a patient, doctors may have to choose a more aggressive mode of treatment, including surgical removal of the part affected. It may require a multi-disciplinary approach involving specialists from internal medicine, microbiology, ophthalmology, ENT, neurology, pulmonology, dentistry, and reconstructive surgery to treat mucormycosis effectively depending on extent and severity of infection.

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Besides, it is important to monitor and manage a patient¡¯s blood sugar level and discontinue immunosuppressants. It is important to strictly follow the prescribed treatment for the prescribed duration to rule out the possibility of reoccurrence of the infection.

How to prevent the infection?

Doctors should guide a Covid-19 patient about how to look for its early signs. At the hospitals, doctors and nurses should check for the symptoms in patients being treated with steroids or other immunosuppressive agents.

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Besides, it takes around 4 weeks for the steroids¡¯ effect to wear off. So, it is important to keep oneself protected during this time. Patients should avoid visiting damp and dusty places for a few weeks post Covid recovery. If it is unavoidable, wear a three-ply mask, gloves, and fully cover your legs and arms.

keep Covid-19 patients¡¯ oxygen mask and canula sterile to prevent mucormycosis.

It is necessary to keep a regular check on water used in oxygenation for any possible contamination.