Retrospective study of patient characteristics and treatment for mucormycosis in post COVID-19 population in a tertiary care hospital.

Abstract

Objectives: Along with the COVID-19 pandemic, another illness wreaking havoc in India is mucormycosis, also known as black fungus. Mucormycosis was previously known as zygomycotic infection, which is a consequential type of infection caused by several mildews known as Mucoromycetes. It is an invasive type of disease which occurs more commonly in individuals with low and weakened immunity. The main objective of this study was to identify the mucormycosis cases post COVID-19 and to determine the risk factors and treatment for positive cases.

Methods: Thirty-three patients (61% men, 39% women; mean age 55 years) with mucormycosis were identified in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.

Results: People who received COVID-19 vaccines had a lower rate of infection with the fungus than non-vaccinated people. In steroid users the risk was very high compared with those not taking steroids.

Conclusion: The majority of non vaccinated patients with preexisting co-morbidity conditions like diabetes, chronic illnesses and irregular use of steroids during COVID-19, might have greater risks of getting mucormycosis rather than normal COVID-19 positive cases.