MUCORMYCOSIS (Black Fungus)

Mucormycosis, commonly known as the black fungus is a serious fungal infection caused by a type of fungal mold. People who have a weak immune system and who are suffering from various diseases such as diabetes, kidney problems, HIV, and so on are mainly affected by this infection. This fungus mainly grows in a warm and moist environment such as decaying organic matter, composting piles, rotting fruits, and so on. It is generally spread through fungal spores. When these spores come in
Contact with the wounds they enter our body through these cuts, burns, and so on.
They also enter our body via the nose, eyes, or mouth. It mainly infects the brain and
Becomes serious if it is not treated properly on time.

Symptoms

The symptoms of this fungal infection mainly depend on the body part which is affected.

If this fungus spreads enters through the nose and spreads to the brain, then the symptoms may include one-sided pain of eye or headache, blocked and runny nose, fever, Loss of smell, swelling of the face.

If lungs are affected then there may be shortness of breath, fever, severe cough and chest pain.

If the gastrointestinal tract is affected then symptoms like diarrhea, severe stomach ache, vomiting's, stools accompanied by blood can be seen.

If the skin is affected then dark reddish-brown patches develop on the skin due to the death of tissue. Sometimes painful ulcers or blisters develop on the skin.

A mental condition of a person might be affected if this fungus severely attacks the brain and sometimes a person might go into a coma due to the blockage of blood vessels in the brain with these fungal deposits.

It also leads to the insufficient blood supply to the organs which lead to the death of surrounding tissue resulting in improper functioning of the organs.

ONE SHOULD NOT IGNORE SYMPTOMS

Risk Factors

People who are suffering from the following health conditions have a high risk of getting exposed to this infection.

Patients who have uncontrolled diabetes, particularly ketoacidosis and taking steroids for diabetes.

Patients who have undergone treatment due to COVID19.(due to treatment with powerful drugs and certain steroids the immunity of the person decreases, some steroids increase the sugar levels in the body, some antibiotics used during treatment not only kills the harmful bacteria but also kills beneficial bacteria. This treatment unknowingly sets an environment for the growth of fungus.)

People taking steroids for a long period.

Patients who are undergoing chemotherapy and several other treatments for cancer

Patients who have undergone organ transplantation and using immunosuppressants.

Patients who have asthma and several breathing problems, patients who need frequent oxygen supply and are on ventilators.

Treatment

Treatment should be done as quickly as possible. The infection spreads in such a way that by the time we diagnose it most of our significant tissue gets damaged.

Amphotericin B is a primary anti-fungal drug used when this infection is first detected.

Isavuconazole and Posaconazole are the other alternative drugs that can be used.

If a person is suffering from diabetes and some other health conditions then treatment should include controlling of blood sugar of a diabetic patient, improving the neutrophils count of the patient due to which a persons immunity improves and medications should be given for the treatment of underlying diseases.

The patient should be treated with an intravenous antifungal procedure for at least 4 weeks.

If the infection becomes severe then the antifungal treatment may be extended by months depending on the severity.

Surgery can be done but experts say that it can be very drastic and also might lead to the death of the patient without aggressive surgical debridement of the infected area.

Prevention

Practicing good hygiene and keeping the surroundings clean is the first step taken in the prevention of this infection.

People using oxygen concentrators must clean it regularly.

Gargling with Betadine oral solution must be done.

Masks should be disinfected after a single-use.

Masks should be worn in construction and dusty areas.

Patients suffering from diabetes must monitor their blood glucose levels and should keep their sugar levels under control.

Humidifier used in oxygen concentrators must be sterilized with normal saline on regular basis.

After getting infected with COVID19 patient should stop using steroids and immunomodulating drugs should be discontinued.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is mainly done by Biopsy of the affected tissue and confirming with fungal culture. CT scan of the lungs and sinuses is done to check the spread of the mold. MRI can also be useful.

Now, you’ve got enough information about Black Fungus. If you or the people you know are suffering and showing the symptoms, immediately rush to the nearest hospital. Early treatment helps to reduce the intensity of the effect caused by disease.

If you are from Hyderabad, there are number of best hospital in hyderabad such as Apollo Hospitals, Prathima Hospitals, Yashoda Hospitals, Continental Hosptials, KIMS Hospitals etc. One can visit and take treatment from these hospitals as they are affordable, experienced doctors, good facilities.

Stay Safe, Stay Healthy.

Don’t forget to wear mask, and maintain social distance.