Study of rise in cases of mucormycosis during covid-19 pandemic

Abstract

There are reports of the rise of Rhino-orbital mucormycosis in COVID-19 patients during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in India. Mucormycosis developed in patients who had the history of COVID-19 infection, uncontrolled diabetes mellitus with associated co-morbidities like hypertension, bilateral pneumonia, ischemic heart disease and concurrent use of steroids and oxygen therapy. So, to understand the association of mucormycosis with COVID-19 and other co-morbidities, we conducted a systemic study of mucormycosis in people with COVID-19.Tissue samples of patients, clinically and radiologically suspected of mucormycosis, received in microbiology department were examined by KOH mount microscopically and cultured on SDA. The culture isolates were then subjected to lactophenol cotton blue for identification.A total of 35(72.91%) samples were positive for fungal filaments in either KOH mount or fungal growth on SDA. spp. was most commonly isolated in culture, followed by spp. Mucormycosis was predominantly seen in males, 37(77.08%), than in females, 11(22.91%). The commonest risk factors associated with mucormycosis were COVID-19 positivity 42(87.5%) and diabetes mellitus 41(85.41%).: To reduce the risk of fungal infection, all efforts should be made to maintain blood glucose levels under control and judicious use of corticosteroids in patients with COVID-19.