Mucormycosis or black fungus is a rare fungal infection, but cases are rising amidst the Coronavirus pandemic. The disease mostly infects immunocompromised patients including diabetics and those receiving corticosteroid therapy. The most common etiological agent is Rhizopus arrhizus, from the Mucorales family of fungi. The fungal spores may affect the nose and sinuses, the respiratory tract, renal tract, cutaneous tissues, or may be disseminated throughout the body. Early detection can be done by PCR technique, but direct microscopy is also commonly done. Treatment is most commonly done using high-cost liposomal Amphotericin B injections. Surgical debridement of the affected tissues may sometimes be necessary. Knowledge of the disease and its management techniques is absolutely essential for healthcare professionals in the current scenario. Early diagnosis may improve prognosis. In this narrative review, we seek to provide an overview of the most essential features of Mucormycosis, especially in association with SARS-CoV-2.
Keywords: Amphotericin B; Coronavirus; PCR; corticosteroid therapy; diabetes mellitus; mucormycosis.
Copyright: © 2022 Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care.