Study of Molds in Post COVID -19 Patients: An experience from Tertiary Care Centre

Abstract

Introduction: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has emerged as a global health crisis in the century with a heavy toll on human life. The second wave of COVID-19 was lethal for the patients as they had to combat the virus along with the opportunistic fungal and bacterial infections triggered by it. Mucormycosis gained attention for its widespread existence during this period of the second wave of COVID-19. Material & Methods: Various clinical samples like biopsy tissues from paranasal sinuses, deep nasal swabs, bronchoalveolar lavage, sputum, etc. were studied for the presence of fungal elements by KOH examination and culture on Sabouraud’s dextrose agar. Identification of fungal isolate was done by growth characteristics, LPCB wet mount, and slide culture. Result: During the study period, a total of 214 samples were received of which 17 (7.9%) were positive for fungal growth. Rhizopus arrhizus was most frequently isolated. Diabetes mellitus and the use of steroid during COVID-19 hospitalization was observed to be common risk factors. Rhino-cerebral mucormycosis was found to be the commonest type. Conclusion: Invasive mould infections can lead to fatal outcomes, if not detected timely. Accurate identification of the fungus is important for the administration of appropriate antifungal therapy.