Aka Mucormycosis
Mucormycosis is a rare dangerous and rapidly spreading infection caused by a group of molds known as mucormycetes. These fungal spores are present in the environment esp. in soil, decaying organic matter like leaves/ wood/ compost.
Black Fungus:
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It got it’s name because of black discolouration of surrounding skin/mucosa.
Most common types of involvement seen are:
- Lung & Sinus: Inhalation route
- Skin: Burns/ Cut/ Scrapes
- Brain: Via Sinus or Eye
[Tweet “Black fungus affects people with low immunity & prolonged illnesses.”]
Presentation:
Sinus disease:
- Facial swelling & pain
- Eye swelling & Loss of Vision (extension to eye)
- Headache
- Loss of smell/ Foul smell
- Nasal blockage/ heaviness
- Black lesions on nose/ mouth/ skin
- Fever
- Gum swelling (extending to mouth)
Lung disease:
- Fever
- Cough
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
Gastrointestinal symptoms could be commonly found along with the disease, symptoms like diarrhea/ nausea/ vomiting, etc. are present. Mucormycosis is dangerous because it erodes the surrounding bone and tissues and could invade the brain/ Eye/ mouth etc.
Predisposing factor:
There are few illness & conditions that makes a person more prone to getting infected by the spores.
- Uncontrolled diabetes/ diabetic ketoacidosis
- Cancer
- Organ transplant
- Stem cell transplant
- Long term steroid
- Iron overload
- Burns
- Neutropenia (low white blood cells)
- COVID-19
Precautions:
It’s very difficult to avoid the fungus completely but taking precaution could limit the exposure to spores.
- Avoid spore inhalation, use masks/ respirators
- Avoid direct contact with water-damaged buildings
- Wear protective gear while reclamation or restoration work of buildings
- Avoid contact with contaminated water esp. after floods or hurricanes
- Boost immunity
[Tweet “Black fungus is not contagious“]
It doesn’t spread by person-to-person contact.
Investigations:
- CT scan of involved part like Sinus/ Lungs
- Biopsy is confirmatory test
Treatment:
- Control the underlying disease
- Stop medications like steroids/ immunosuppressants
Medical management:
- Amphotericin B (Intravenous)
- Posaconazole
- Isavuconazole
- Fluconazole
- Voriconazole
Surgical management:
Debridement (removal) of infection.
Complications:
- Blindness
- Blood clots
- Blocked vessels
- Nerve damage
Although this disease is very dangerous and rapidly spreading, Early detection and Treatment are the keys to survival.
Be Safe, Be Happy
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Disclaimer: This article is for reference purposes only, under no circumstances it should be used as a replacement for medical opinion by Professionals. Any decision regarding health and health care should be taken after professional advice only. Health care advice and information shared by the author are best to her knowledge. We disclaim all responsibilities for any inadvertent omission/ commission by the author or the website.
References:
- The ecology of the Zygomycetes and its impact on environmental exposureexternal icon
- https://www.cdc.gov/fungal/diseases/mucormycosis/definition.html
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mucormycosis
- https://www.infectiousdiseaseadvisor.com/home/decision-support-in-medicine/infectious-diseases/agents-of-mucormycosis-microbiology/
- https://www.webmd.com/lung/mucormycosis-black-fungus-infection
- https://www.emedicinehealth.com/mucormycosis/article_em.htm
Thank you for bursting many myths and educating us about the present plague! hope the world heals sooner!
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