Et tu Mucor?

Nepal J Ophthalmol. 2021 Jul;13(24):177-185. doi: 10.3126/nepjoph.v13i2.39751.

Abstract

Introduction: Recently, the Indian subcontinent has been hard hit by the second wave of COVID-19. Along with it, the region has become a hot spot for mucormycosis infection in patients with COVID-19. The aim of this paper is to provide a scientific overview on the status of mucormycosis in pre-COVID-19 era and on how COVID-19 could have directly or indirectly expose the hidden burden of mucormycosis globally.

Materials and methods: This paper is structured as a narrative review and is based on relevant published literature on both COVID-19 and mucormycosis.

Conclusion: Mucormycosis in the pre-COVID-19 era was almost a neglected entity. It was because the risk factors for both - More severe COVID-19 infections and Mucormycosis are almost similar - COVID-19 might have helped to expose the true magnitude of the mucormycosis and flagging it as a major public health concern requiring a revisit by medical science.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19* / epidemiology
  • Humans
  • Mucor
  • Mucormycosis* / diagnosis
  • Mucormycosis* / epidemiology
  • Risk Factors