Mucormycosis, also known as “black fungus,” is not a new infection, according to AIIMS Director Randeep Guleria, but the number of cases has risen due to Covid-19.
AIIMS Director Randeep Guleria also cautioned against the spread of mucormycosis, stating that with the rise in COVID-19 cases, it is critical that infection management procedures are adopted at hospitals.
He claims that steroid abuse is a significant contributor to the infection (Mucormycosis). Patients who are obese, COVID positive, and on steroids have a higher risk of fungal infection. To avoid it, we must put an end to the abuse of steroids.
He said,”This disease (Mucormycosis) can affect the face, infecting nose, orbit of eye, or brain, which can cause even vision loss. It can also spread to the lung.”
Any coronavirus patients have been shown to have mucormycosis, an uncommon but harmful fungal infection.
If the number of COVID-19 cases rises, it’s more important than ever to adhere to infection-control procedures in hospitals. Dr. Guleria continued, “It has been observed that secondary infections, both fungal and bacterial, are causing more mortality.”
Steroid use must be minimised,” said Dr Suresh Kumar, MD, LNJP Hospital. If provided to a patient with an oxygen saturation level of more than 90, black fungus can develop as a side effect. Early detection is crucial. This infection will be detected by a CT scan of the face. Amphotericin, an antifungal compound, is being used for therapy.
He also said,”Overuse, misuse & rampant use of steroids in COVID patients causes black fungus, also known as Mucormycosis. We have 4 patients here who also are diabetic. Quite often a patient dies due to black fungus instead of COVID-19.”
A fungus called mucor causes black fungus infection, also known as mucormycosis. Several states have recently reported cases of COVID-induced mucormycosis, especially among diabetic patients. \
Several states have recently reported cases of COVID-induced mucormycosis, especially among diabetic patients.
The Centre stated in a May 9 advisory that if mucormycosis is not treated, it may be fatal. The fungal infection mostly affects people who are taking medications that suppress their ability to combat environmental pathogens, according to the study.
