Fungal Infections of Paranasal Sinuses: Sequelae to 2020 Pandemic

Abstract

Background: In recent decades, the prevalence of fungal sinus infection has increased. It’s plausible that this is related toincreased awareness, antibiotic usage, and the use of immunosuppressive drugs. Furthermore, much has been written onthe involvement of fungus as a causative organism.Objectives: To identify fungal pathogens and correlate laboratory findings with clinical findings.Materials and Methods: Patients with AIFR following recent COVID-19 infection were included. After performingpotassium hydroxide (KOH) wet mounts, post-operative material was collected and cultured on two tubes of Sabourauddextrose agar (SDA) and stored at 250 C and 370C for isolation and identification.Results: Out of 329 diabetic individuals with AIFS following COVID-19 infection, 51% exhibited mucopurulent dischargeand 75.6 % had unilateral involvement. Only 57.4% of KOH mount samples were positive for fungal components, however76.3% of SDA samples exhibited positive growth, with 62 % Mucorales, 8% Aspergillus, and 6 % Candida species.Conclusion: Mucor mycosis can develop in COVID-19 patients, particularly those with diabetes, a high and imprudentuse of corticosteroids, and invasive ventilation. KOH test resulted in a preliminary diagnosis, whereas Culture remainsthe gold standard for identification.