What is MUCORMYCOSIS? What are the sign and symptoms of black fungus? How to prevent and manage it?

What is mucormycosis?

Mucormycosis, formerly known as zygomycosis, is a disease caused by the many fungi that belong to the fungal family “Mucorales”. Fungi in this family are usually found in the environment (for example, in soil) and often associated with decaying organic material such as fruit and vegetables.

Mucormycosis (Black Fungus) – If Uncared For – May Turn Fatal

Mucormycosis is a fungal infection that mainly affects people who are on medication for other health problems that reduce their ability to fight environmental pathogens. Sinuses or lungs of such individuals get affected after fungal spores are inhaled from the air.

This can lead to serious disease with a warning sign and symptoms as follows:

  • Pain and redness around eyes and/or nose
  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Coughing
  • Shortness of breath
  • Bloody vomits
  • Altered mental status

When To Suspect (In Covid-19 Patients, Diabetics Or Immunosuppressed Individuals)?

  • Sinusitis – nasal blockage or congestion, nasal discharge (blackish/bloody), local pain on the cheekbone
  • One-sided facial pain, numbness, or swelling
  • Blackish discoloration over the bridge of nose/palate
  • Toothache, loosening of teeth, jaw involvement
  • Blurred or double vision with pain; fever, skin lesion; thrombosis & necrosis (eschar)
  • Chest pain, pleural effusion, hemoptysis, worsening of respiratory symptoms



How to manage?

  • Control diabetes and diabetic ketoacidosis
  • Reduce steroids (if the patient is still on) with the aim to discontinue rapidly
  • Discontinue immunomodulating drugs
  • No antifungal prophylaxis needed
  • Extensive Surgical Debridement – to remove all necrotic materials
  • Medical treatment
  • Install peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC line)
  • Maintain adequate systemic hydration
  • Infuse Normal saline IV before Amphotericin B infusion
  • Antifungal Therapy, for at least 4-6 weeks (see the guidelines below )
  • Monitor patients clinically and with radio-imaging for response and to detect disease progression






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