Epidemic during pandemic: Black fungus as an example

Abstract

ObjectiveWe are presenting a case of an uncontrolled diabetic patient who had recovered from COVID 19.Methods and ResultsAfter recovery, the patient developed nasal obstruction and visited an ENT surgeon, who treated the patient for fungal infection. After few days, the patient complained of severe mobility of all maxillary teeth. On clinical examination, pus discharge was also noted around the posterior teeth. On CBCT examination, severe osteomyelitis, sequestra, and involucra were noted in the palatal bone. Subsequently, tissue culture was performed and mucormycosis was confirmed. The patient underwent extraction of all maxillary teeth, surgical debridement, and pharmacological treatment, and was scheduled for an obturator in August 2021.ConclusionThousands of cases of mucormycosis, a severe and often fatal invasive fungal infection, have been reported in the wake of the second wave of COVID-19 cases, bringing worldwide attention to this deadly yet neglected disease. Uncontrolled diabetes and corticosteroid therapy provide breeding grounds for mucormycosis in patients with COVID 19.Statement of Ethical ReviewWritten consent and permission was obtained from the patients.