Mucormycosis and Its Fate in COVID Infected Patients
Author(s): Purvi Tiwari* and Swarupa Chakole
Abstract
Background: The world has seen an endemic like never before, the disease which is devastating and destructing to human mankind. COVID-19 infection (SARS-Cov-2) spreads like a web all over the world and when the whole world was busy in fighting with COVID, another deadly infection i.e. Mucormycosis was making home. Mucormycosis a rare but life threatening fungal infection produced havoc in our country. Its actual cause is unknown but many theories and evidences have been given which states that its probable cause might be the overuse of steroids in moderately to severe COVID infected patient. Steroids lower down the immune response of the body thus, giving shelter to such opportunistic infection. Along with steroids, diabetes being a high risk factor for its development. In COVID infection there is high blood sugar level due to broad antibiotic coverage, steroids use and long term stress. The surge in the COVID cases along with mucormycosis cases increases the mortality and morbidity in COVID-19 patients. As it was a rare disease, its pathological course and its sequels is still unknown, as large studies and trials were impossible to perform.
Summary: The overuse of steroids and high blood sugar levels remains the big risk factor for the development of COVID-19 infection as the immunity is already weakened. And it’s associated morbidity and mortality remains constantly high.
Conclusion: There’s not much studies has been conducted but patients progresses after giving Amphotericin B. Antifungal agents and surgical interventions remains the main stay of treatment and insulin to keep blood sugar level under check.