These fungal spores are present in the air, soil and on decomposed debris and gain entry into sinuses and lungs by breathing contaminated air.
Uncontrolled diabetes is emerging as a major factor in acquiring black fungus infection or mucormycosis, which is surfacing in Covid-19 patients after recovery and is leading to further complications
An online event, hosted by Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences with 52 experts discussing the issue, aimed to prepare the work force to prevent patients from falling prey to the infection while informing them about the relevant treatment protocols.
SGPGI director Prof. R.K. Dhiman said: “Mucormycosis is an uncommon, opportunistic invasive fungal infection which occurs in immune-suppressed patients. Uncontrolled diabetes is the most common risk factor for acquiring this infection. These fungal spores are present in the air, soil and on decomposed debris and gain entry into sinuses and lungs by breathing contaminated air. Covid-19 patients with uncontrolled diabetes, undergoing treatment with steroids, are at heightened risk of the infection.”
The infection can be successfully managed and treated with a multi-disciplinary approach and the role of microbiologist, ENT specialist, ophthalmologist and diabetologist is crucial to achieve successful results.
Meanwhile, nine more cases of black fungus infection were reported in Lucknow taking the tally to 17 since March.
