Major Manifestations of COVID-19 Associated Mucormycosis
Author(s): Julie Ann Thomas*, Vinoth S, Komal Muneshwar and Ashok Mehendale
Abstract
Background: The Coronavirus outbreak has significantly destroyed mankind claiming countless lives all around the world. The clinical stretch of Coronavirus may vary in terms of severity extending from mild or subclinical condition to intensively severe pneumonia further sophisticated by fungal coinfections. Following the emergence of the pandemic, the emergence of innumerable secondary opportunistic fungal infections has created scope for another life threatening disease. Among these, mucormycosis has recently become a cause of anxiety due to its swift spread in patients with COVID-19 infection, during or after their treatment. The black fungus is a lethal obstacle reported commonly in COVID-19 positive patients worldwide. Many reports show that neutropenic patients are more vulnerable to these fungal infections due to immense utilisation of chemotherapy resulting in weak host defences. Diabetes mellitus is known to be one of the major factors that promote the occurrence of fungal infections. Prolonged use of steroidal drugs or antibiotics may result in development of a fungal disease. Late identification of the diagnosis, narrow range of treatment plan guidelines with a poor prognosis of COVID associated mucormycosis has alarmed many healthcare professionals with a possibility of occurrence of an epidemic. Thus, an urgent initiative to bring this scenario to the concern of public health by conducting surveillance programs, prompt diagnostic and management measures is essential. Nationwide public awareness and education on COVID-19 and its related complications is necessary to promote the safety and welfare of the society at a global level.
Aim: This study revolves to interpret the actual outline of this deadly infection by evaluating all the published case reviews to assess the various clinical forms of mucormycosis infection seen in COVID-19 affected patients (both active or revived) that involve its epidemiology, predisposing factor, clinical presentations, prognosis and treatment protocol with regard to COVID-19.