Mucormycosis: A Post Covid Symptom

Abstract

Mucormycosis is an invasive infection with a high mortality rate even after active management. This infection is caused by a group of filaments molds belonging to the order Mucorales. These Mucorales are decomposers and are found in thedecaying matter, rotten fruits, and vegetables other than the environmental niche, theyreproduce rapidly asexually, it is human pathogenic affecting skin, lungs, brain,gut, and other organs. Mucormycosis is a rare fungal infection, also known as the black fungus which iscaused due to inhalation or ingestion of fungal spores. Immuno-compromised patients are commonly observed to be affected by this infection. The most frequently found Mucorale isRhizopus arrhizus. Initial sites of infection are found to be sinuses, lungs, skin, and gastrointestinal tract. The recent spread of the COVID-19 pandemic is a major cause of mucormycosis. Several cases of the infection were reported in India and worldwide.In India, mucormycosis associated with COVID-19 increased majorly during the second wave hit.The major causes of COVID-19 associated mucormycosis were diabetes, prolonged use of steroids, cytokine storm, and impact of delta variant. Rhino orbital mucormycosis and pulmonary mucormycosis are the most widely spread types of mucormycosisisassociated with COVID-19.