2. Introduction
Mucormycosis is an “INVASIVE FUNGAL INFECTION” First describe by ‘PAULL TAUF A in 1885.
Mucormycosis are the group of Invasive infection caused by filamentous fungiof the mucoraceae
Family.
Mucormycosis is also known as Zygomycosis in an opportunisticfungal infection with a fulminant
course and high mortalityrate.
Mucormycosis has a strong proclivity for invading blood vessels,causing Necrosis,Thrombosisand
tissue infarction.
It is most commonlyknown as “Black Fungus” due to its black colour formation in the affected area.
Mucormycosis mainly affects people who are immunocompromised orpatients already infected with
otherdisease.
It is an acute,Granulomatousand opportunisticfungalinfection that occurs mostlyin immuno
compromisedpatients.
Rhizopus species are the most common causative organisms.
The Rhinocerebralvariants of mucormycosis involves –facial, orbital,paranasalsinus and cerebral
region.
3. Major Routes of infection
Inhalation of Conidial
Ingestion
Traumatic Inoculation
• When spores are deposited in the nasal turbinates –Rhinocerebral develop.
• Spores inhaledinto Lungs –Pulmonary disease develop
4. Types of Mucormycosis :-
Mainlytwo types of infection that people can get and these depends on the route of
exposure.
1. Pulmonary or Sinus Form :-
. Exposure occurs by inhaling fungal spores from environment.
2. Cutaneous form :-
. Exposure through cuts, scraps or the form of trauma to the skin.
5. Transmission of Mucormycosis :-
This fungus is found in the environment; transmissionoccurs through inhalation, inoculation or
ingestion of spores from the environment.
It may spread to brain and eye
It is not contagious and doesnot spread by contact of one person to another person.
7. High risks factor :-
The risk is high for people living with Hai and those using immuno
modulating drugs.
High risks group includes people with Diabetes (especially diabetic
ketoacidosis).
Patients with Diabetes mellitus are further getting a high chance of
infection.
9. Pathogenesis :-
Sporangiospores enter through nose and reach sinus and Lungs.
Neutrophils and macrophages block their replicationso in neutropenia
other immunodeficient state, fungal growth prospers.
Fungal growth also enhance in iron overload condition.
10. Sign and Symptoms :-
Pain/redness around the eye or nose.
Fever
Headache. Headache associatedwith nausea and vomiting.
Coughing
Shortness of breath
Bloody vomits
Altered mental status
12. Mucormycosis in COVID-19 :-
Spores germinate in hypoxia,acidosis & hyperglycemic state.
Increased use of Voriconazole.
Increased use of broad spectrum antibiotics-Deteroxamine
High flow oxygen-Mucosal injury.
In appropriate mask usage.
13. Mucormycosis in COVID-19
IN INDIA :-
Recently it is more commonly seen after COVID recovery patients.
Mortality rate of those affected patient is way more dangerous than
COVID patient
India has reported a recent surge in Mucormycosis cases- prevention of
COVID-19 associated Mucormycosis needs to focus on aiming for better
glycaemiccontrol in COVID -19 patient and monitoring the use of
“Corticosteroid” in treating severecases.
Outpatient use of systemic Corticosteroidand other immunomodulating
drugs for mildor moderate patients with COVID-19 should be avoided.
