Aspergillosis and Mucormycosis in COVID-19 Patients: A Systematic Review.

Abstract

Fungal infections have increased in number since the onset of this lethal pandemic. This study aimed to assess risk factors and case fatality in COVID-19 cases with aspergillosis or mucormycosis. A systematic review was done according to PRISMA guidelines. Databases used were Google scholar, Pakmedinet, PUBMED, and MEDLINE. Twenty-one case reports and case series of mucormycosis in COVID-19 patients were identified and the mean age was 56.3 years (36 men and 12 women). The most common comorbidity was diabetes and the site was rhino orbital mucormycosis. Case fatality of 48 combined cases was calculated to be 52%. Nineteen articles of aspergillosis were included. Diabetes was the most common comorbidity in cases. The number of affected men cases was more than women. The incidence of aspergillosis in critically sick COVID-19 patients was calculated to be 9.3%. Case fatality was calculated to be 51.2%. Screening can be a beneficial tool for decreasing morbidity and mortality. Key Words: COVID-19, Mucormycosis, Aspergillosis.