It is a dangerous infection, despite its rarity. It is caused by a group of moulds called as mucormycetes, which are found in nature.
According to scientists from the Covid-19 task force task team, it primarily affects people who are taking medicine for health problems that decreases their ability to resist environmental germs.
After inhaling fungal spores from the air, these people’s sinuses and lungs become infected. In several states, doctors have seen an increase in occurrences of mucormycosis among persons hospitalised or recuperating from Covid 19, with some requiring emergency surgery.
Mucormycetes does not usually offer a significant hazard to people who have a healthy immune system.
What happens if someone gets it?
Fever, headache, coughing, shortness of breath, bloody vomits, and changed mental status are all warning indications, as are pain and redness around the eyes or nose. According to the recommendation, mucormycetes infection should be considered if there is:
- Nasal blockage or congestion, nasal discharge (blackish/bloody); sinusitis
- One-sided face pain, numbness, or swelling; local pain on the cheek bone;
- Over the bridge of the nose/palate, there is a blackish darkening;
- Painful blurred or double vision;
- Thrombosis, necrosis, and a skin lesion are all examples of thrombosis.
- Chest pain, pleural effusion, and worsening respiratory difficulties are all indications of a pleural effusion.
Everywhere in the environment, fungi, notably the aspergillosis spores, can be found, including in soil, plants, air, food, and water. compared to the mucor fungus linked to mucormycosis, is almost ten times more common. As immune-competent individuals, we often do not have a problem residing with them every day.
These spores can enter the body in a number of different ways, including through inhalation, ingesting them through food or medications, or by penetrating wounds and polluting them. The most frequent way to come into touch with these fungi that cause systemic infection is through inhalation.
These spores are often excreted from the body by healthy individuals. It becomes a concern when either our immune systems are compromised or when natural human defences in tissues or the lungs are damaged—for example, with a COVID-19 infection—which can lead to the spread of an infection.
Risk factors
In patients in India, where diabetes is more common and frequently goes untreated, poorly controlled diabetes was allegedly the most prevalent underlying risk factor. Diabetes patients have elevated blood sugar levels. According to studies, this creates a more favourable environment for fungi to flourish inside the body.
The use of corticosteroids, which are powerful immunosuppressants used to treat severe COVID-19 instances and make a person more susceptible to fungal infections, is another risk factor.
There are additional factors at work. Fungi thrive best in hot, humid temperatures like those found in tropical regions.
How is it being treated?
Mucormycosis is now managed with antifungals, although it may eventually need surgery. Controlling diabetes, reducing steroid use, and stopping immunomodulating medications have all been deemed to be of paramount importance by medical professionals.
The course of treatment comprises a normal saline infusion for at least 4-6 weeks in order to maintain appropriate systemic hydration.
The task force’s experts have emphasised the importance of managing hyperglycemia and monitoring blood glucose levels in both diabetics and those who have just finished receiving Covid-19 treatment. Steroids should only be used sparingly; timing, dosage, and duration all need to be considered.
After surgery
Mucormycosis can result in the loss of the upper jaw and, in rare cases, the eye, difficulty swallowing and chewing, changes to the appearance of the face, and a decline in self-esteem.
The upper jaw and the eye can both be replaced with the necessary prosthetics or artificial replacements.
Antifungal medications that require a prescription must be used to treat mucormycosis. Surgery may be necessary in some instances, and it may eventually result in the loss of the upper jaw and occasionally even an eye.
Prosthetic reconstruction is possible after surgery, but for better long-term results, intermediate solutions should be established even before jaw surgery. Reconstruction with prosthetics can make sure that the illness is not made worse by the treatment.
Who is at risk ?
People with health issues or those who take medications that reduce the body’s capacity to fight infection and disease are among the vulnerable categories. These people have conditions including diabetes, cancer, or organ transplants.
Prevention
If you attend dusty construction sites, wear a mask. When gardening, put on shoes, long pants, long sleeve shirts, and gloves. Maintain personal hygiene, which includes taking a cleansing bath.
Diagnosis
Depending on where the infection is thought to be, A tissue biopsy or a CT scan of your lungs, sinuses, etc. may be done instead of collecting a sample of fluid from your respiratory system for laboratory testing.
