Mucormycosis in COVID-19 pandemic: Risk factors and linkages

Area of Science:

• * Medical Mycology
• * Infectious Diseases
• * Epidemiology

Background:

• * Mucormycosis, a severe fungal infection caused by mucormycetes, poses a significant mortality risk.
• * A notable surge in mucormycosis cases, termed black fungus, occurred in India during the COVID-19 second wave (April-June 2021).
• * Diabetic individuals recovering from COVID-19 appear more susceptible to mucormycosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• * To investigate the potential factors and mechanisms behind the sudden increase in mucormycosis during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• * To understand the pathogenesis and pathological elements contributing to the mucormycosis outbreak.
• * To explore potential preventative and therapeutic strategies for this opportunistic infection.

Main Methods:

• * Review and contemplation of existing literature and speculated factors.
• * Analysis of potential links between COVID-19 treatments and mucormycosis.
• * Discussion of the role of gut microbiota dysbiosis and immune suppression.

Main Results:

• * The rise in mucormycosis is linked to the COVID-19 pandemic, especially in India.
• * Speculated factors include the indiscriminate use of steroids, antibiotics, and zinc during self-medication.
• * These practices may lead to gut dysbiosis and immune suppression, increasing susceptibility.

Conclusions:

• * The surge in mucormycosis during the COVID-19 pandemic requires further investigation into its precise mechanisms.
• * Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for developing effective prevention and treatment strategies.
• * Addressing self-medication practices and their impact on gut microbiota may be key to mitigating risks.