Correlation Between the New Delta Variant B.1.617.2 of COVID-19 Virus and Mucormycosis – An Invasive Fungal Infection

Abstract

COVID-19 (Coronovirus disease 2019) is a pandemic involving the respiratory tract that emerged in China during late 2019 and has been spreading around the world. This pandemic, now in its second year has shown no signs of slowing down or relief and mutations of the virus have been suspected to have increased the number of cases globally. The new DELTA variant B.1.617.2 of Coronovirus SARS-CoV-2 infections is associated with a wide range of conditions, from fungal and bacterial infections to life threatening pneumonia and is categorized as a Variant of Concern (VoC). These co-infections are usually associated with preexisting morbidities (Diabetes mellitus, High blood pressure, lung infections and immuno-compromised conditions) or may also develop from hospital acquired ventilator associated pneumonia and long term steroid therapy. Very few publications on COVID-19 patients suffering from fungal infections like mucormycosis have been reported. We report eleven cases of rhino-maxillary mucormycosis in COVID-19 recovered patients who were under home-isolation. Mucormycosis in COVID-19 positive patients will require an early diagnostic intervention to ensure effective treatment. Globally, physicians and doctors should be alert and be aware of this VoC causing invasive fungal infections (IFI) in COVID-19 patients.