With the ongoing second wave of corona pandemic in India, the emergence of mucormycosis, a fungal infection that is gaining popularity and attention, can further add to your stress and anxiety.
Mucormycosis, commonly known as ‘Black Fungus’, is turning out to be one the most disastrous after-effects of the COVID-19 infection.
Read on to know more about how mucormycosis develops, its connection with COVID-19 and how to prevent it.
All You Need to Know About Mucormycosis
What is mucormycosis and how is it caused?
Mucormycosis or zygomycosis is a rare but potentially deadly fungal infection. It is caused by a group of molds called mucormycetes, which primarily affects your sinuses (air-filled sacs present in your facial bones), lungs, skin, eyes and brain.
These molds (fungal spores) are normally present throughout the environment and commonly found in plants, decaying fruits and vegetables, manure, air and dirt or soil. They are also found in the mucus (a normal, slippery, and stringy fluid in the nose) and membranous linings of your nose.
You may either come in contact with the mold through one of these surfaces or can also inhale the mold which can cause the infection.
What are the types of fungi that can cause mucormycosis?
Several types of fungi can cause mucormycosis. The most common ones are Rhizopus species and Mucor species.
Examples of other species of fungi that cause mucormycosis include Rhizomucor, Syncephalastrum, Cunninghamella bertholletiae, Apophysomyces, Lichtheimia and Saksenae.
What are the symptoms of mucormycosis?
The symptoms of mucormycosis solely depend on which part of your body the fungus grows.
What are its complications?
Mucormycosis can affect your nose and sinuses causing reddish or blackish discolouration of your cheek and the bridge of your nose, bleeding from the nose, or crust-like structures around the nose.
It can also spread to your oral cavity, eyes, brain and lungs, resulting in toothache, loosening of tooth, pain, swelling and reddening of the eyes, and blurring of vision.
Black fungus can also result in altered mental status, severe headache, cause blood in your sputum (thick mucus produced by the lungs) or increase the severity of breathing problems if any.
If not treated at the earliest, mucormycosis can cause complications such as:
Blindness
Nerve damage
Blood clots in the body
In some rare cases, if the infection spreads to other parts of your body through the blood, it can also affect your spleen (organ above your stomach and under your ribs) and heart.
In severe cases, you may go into a coma (state of prolonged unconsciousness) which can be fatal.
Who is at a higher risk or more susceptible to the infection?
Mucormycosis can infect anyone at any age. Individuals with weakened or compromised immune systems are at a higher risk of developing complications from the infection.
Others who are susceptible to the infection are patients:
With uncontrolled diabetes (excessive blood sugar levels).
On immunosuppressants (drugs that suppress your body’s immune system) usually taken post organ transplant or by cancer patients.
On steroid therapy which induces immunosuppressive effects.
Who have HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) or AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome).
With prolonged ICU (intensive care unit) stay and oxygen therapy (use of oxygen as a medical treatment).
With high levels of iron in the body.
With skin damage due to surgery, burns, or wounds (the fungi can enter the body through cuts in the skin through contaminated surfaces).
With poor health due to lack of proper nutrition.
With severe COVID-19 infection-causing immunosuppression.
What’s the connection between COVID-19 and mucormycosis?
Mucormycetes usually live and grow inside your body but can rarely cause a life-threatening infection. However, if your body’s immune response has been suppressed or hampered by another infection or disease, for example, by COVID-19, mucormycosis develops.
Fungal spores are also present everywhere in the air - indoors, outdoors and in hospitals. If you have just recovered from COVID-19 or have existing conditions like HIV/AIDS/diabetes, your immune system is naturally weak and compromised.
As a result, your body produces fewer white blood cells (WBCs) that are responsible for fighting infections and if you inhale these molds, they can easily grow and multiply inside your body, making you more prone to contracting mucormycosis.
If you are treated with steroids or oxygen therapy for COVID-19, you are further immunocompromised and more susceptible to mucormycosis.
How is this disease diagnosed and treated?
Your doctor will collect your medical history and symptoms. If he/she suspects mucormycosis, it can be diagnosed by:
Sending a sample of fluid from your respiratory system for lab testing.
Analyzing a sample of affected tissue in a laboratory, under a microscope or in a fungal culture (controlled laboratory conditions).
Performing imaging tests such as a CT (computed tomography) scan of your lungs, sinuses, or other parts of your body, depending on your symptoms.
Mucormycosis is treated with oral or intravenous antifungal medicines [medications given to treat fungal infections through a vein (intravenous)].
Your doctor will prescribe steroids for mucormycosis that has developed in patients with COVID-19 infection. These medicines are generally administered for a few weeks till the fungus is completely controlled.
In severe cases, mucormycosis is treated with surgery, performed on the infected tissues.
How can you prevent mucormycosis?
There is no way to avoid breathing in fungal spores. However, taking the right preventive measures can lower your chances of mucormycosis.
Limit your exposure to areas with a lot of dust or soil, like construction or excavation sites. Always wear an N95 mask if you are visiting such areas.
Avoid infected water. Do not come in contact with flood water or water-damaged buildings, especially during heavy rains, floods or hurricanes.
Avoid activities like gardening or yard work if you are immunocompromised. Wear protective gloves, shoes, long sleeve shirts and full pants if you engage in these activities to avoid contracting the fungi through touch and skin pores.
If you have tested positive for COVID-19, have comorbidities like diabetes and are being treated at the hospital, remember to:
Use steroids for COVID-19 judiciously. Take proper dosage for the right duration and at the right time, only under the supervision of a doctor.
Keep sugar levels under control, especially if you are diabetic. Monitor and track your blood sugar levels regularly and avoid foods that can cause a spike in your blood sugar levels.
Use clean, sterile water in the humidifier, if you are using oxygen therapy at home or at the hospital, to avoid water contamination.
Do not overuse any antibiotics (medications to treat bacterial infections) or antifungals. Take medications only after consulting your doctor.
Other preventive measures include washing your hands regularly, wearing a face mask while stepping out, avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth, and maintaining a healthy immune system.
Mucormycosis does not usually affect healthy individuals and is not contagious. Do not panic if you have any symptoms of mucormycosis, especially after recovering from COVID-19.
Consult your doctor and start your treatment right away, if diagnosed with mucormycosis.
Disclaimer: This article is written by the Practitioner for informational and educational purposes only. The content presented on this page should not be considered as a substitute for medical expertise. Please "DO NOT SELF-MEDICATE" and seek professional help regarding any health conditions or concerns. Practo will not be responsible for any act or omission arising from the interpretation of the content present on this page.