A Brief Review on Mucormycosis (Black Fungus Infection)

Abstract

Mucormycosis is a life-threatening fungal (Black Fungus) and mould infection of the order Mucorales (Rhizopus, Mucor, Rhizomucer, Absidia, Saksenaea) especially affecting mune compromised or diabetic patients, patients with neutropenia or with malignancy and recently patients suffered with COVID-19 infection or In severe cases it may reach the brain and prove to be fatal in such cases. Mucormycosis presents with rhino-orbito-cerebral, pulmonary, disseminated, cutaneous or gastrointestinal involvement. Mortality rates can approach 100% depending on the patient's underlying diseases and form of mucormycosis. Early diagnosis along with treatment of the underlying medical condition, surgery and an Amphotericin B (anti-fungal) product are needed for the treatment. This review paper provides an update of therapy management and medication and treatment of mucormycosis. New approaches assessing relationships between host, fungi and antifungal drugs, and new routes of administration such as aerosoles could improve mucormycosis treatment.