A Deadly Black Fungus Called Mucormycosis

1) What are the symptoms of mucormycosis in ENT?

It is a rapidly progressing infection. Facial swelling, purulent discharge from the nose, blackening of the skin near the eye and nose, loss of sensation of the area, double vision, sudden loss of vision, rapid deterioration of general condition are some of the symptoms of rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis. As the name suggests invasive rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis spread rapidly from the nose to the eye and the brain. Once it spreads to the brain it is considered very critical.

2) Why does it affect the seniors who have suffered from Covid 19 infection?

Covid 19 is caused by SARS-CoV-2 and is seen to affect people with low immunity and otherwise, it also causes severe inflammatory changes in the lungs and cardiovascular system. It lowers the immunity of a person and makes the body more prone to other diseases. An elderly person is more likely to have conditions like diabetes, hypertension, thyroid disorders, renal issues, etc. which makes them more prone to opportunistic fatal fungal infections like mucormycosis.

3). What are the different ways by which it can be treated?

Mucormycosis is one of the fatal fungal infections in humans. Usually, it is surgical debridement or removal of all the dead tissue which harbours the fungus. Mucormycosis causes ischemic necrosis, that is it causes dead tissue by clogging the blood vessels. It is of utmost importance that all the dead tissue is removed completely, multiple procedures may be required for that. Also, an intravenous anti fungal medication called ‘Amphotericin B is also given for a few weeks till the fungus is fully controlled. Oral antifungal medications are also given. The mortality rate is very high even after active management.

4) Some tips on preventing it.

Fungal spores are present in damp areas, in the dust, soil closed dingy non-aerated rooms, etc. So it’s better to avoid such areas, wear a mask, wash hands regularly, not to pick the nose, rub the eyes or scratch the skin as we might inoculate these spores into the tissues.

5). How many cases are you seeing in a month?

It is not a very common disease, usually seen in tertiary care centres treating very sick patients. Comparatively, there has been a surge in the number of cases, especially in post-Covid 19 infections. Many cases have been reported in Delhi and Ahmedabad, and we have found few cases in Bengaluru also.

6). Who is most prone to this fungal infection and which age bracket is affected the most?

Occurs in uncontrolled diabetics in a state of diabetic ketoacidosis and people with severe immunocompromised status, long term steroid treatment, chronic renal failure, chronic liver diseases, post-chemotherapy or people on immuno-suppression medications, post-transplant. Usually seen in the elderly.

Doctors are seeing mucormycosis in Covid patients above age 60 which is a fungal infection caused by a group of moulds called mucormycetes. Sakra World Hospital has the best doctors for fungal infection treatment in Bangalore.