'Black Fungus' defacing Covid patients: The current menace

Abstract

Mucormycosis is a rare but an opportunistic fungal infection. It has recently gained awareness due to its association with covid-19. The main cause is filamentous fungus Rhizopus, which can be inhaled through the nasal passage, oral cavity or even through a cut in the skin, leading to black masses and destruction of bone in hard palate, nasal cavity and skull. Patients suffering from covid-19 are on steroids, which interferes with the patient’s immunity and blood sugar levels leading to spread of black fungus. Hence precise knowledge about black fungus, its mode of transmission and precautions to prevent the infection is considered utmost priority in recent times.