Black Fungus (Mucormycosis)

BLACK FUNGUS (MUCORMYCOSIS)

The patients who have recovered from Covid 19 are increasingly being detected with mucormycosis or black fungus. This is a rare fungal infection caused by a group of fungi called mucormycetes, which is commonly found in the environment.

The combination of Covid 19 , corticosteroid therapy and diabetes creates the perfect storm in which mucormycosis takes roots and thrives. Corticosteroids are life saving treatment used in patients with Covid 19, however they increase blood sugar levels and fungi enjoy the sugar.

Mucormycosis occurs when a person inhales the fungal spores in air. These spores can be found in both outdoors and indoors, especially in hospital settings and give rise to upper respiratory infection. Spread then occurs to the sinuses and subsequently to the orbit and brain.

Common symptoms for which one should consult an ophthalmologist are pain and swelling around the eyes , drooping of lids, protruding eyes , difficulty in eye movement, double vision and sudden vision loss. They may be preceded by or associated with symptoms including swelling on one side of the face , headache , nasal stuffiness , blackish discolouration on nose bridge and palate , tooth ache and fever.

We at Nirmal Ashram Eye Institute (NEI) are seeing many patients with such symptoms. It is extremely important to promptly diagnose and treat the infection because it evolves very rapidly.

Dr. Abhinav Arora

Author: admin