A challenging complication following SARS-CoV-2 infection: a case of pulmonary mucormycosis

Infection. 2021 Oct;49(5):1055-1060. doi: 10.1007/s15010-020-01561-x. Epub 2020 Dec 17.

Abstract

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection might induce a significant and sustained lymphopenia, increasing the risk of developing opportunistic infections. Mucormycosis is a rare but severe invasive fungal infection, mainly described in immunocompromised patients. The first case of a patient diagnosed with coronavirus disease (COVID-19) who developed a pulmonary mucormycosis with extensive cavitary lesions is here reported. This case highlights how this new coronavirus might impair the immune response, exposing patients to higher risk of developing opportunistic infections and leading to worse outcomes.

Keywords: Mucormycosis; Opportunistic infections; SARS-Cov-2.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19*
  • Humans
  • Invasive Fungal Infections*
  • Mucormycosis* / diagnosis
  • Opportunistic Infections*
  • SARS-CoV-2