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COVID-19-associated mucormycosis: Case report and systematic review
Ahmet Dilek1, Resat Ozaras2, Sevket Ozkaya3
1Intensive Care Unit, VM Medicalpark Samsun Hospital, Samsun, Turkey; Istinye University, Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey.
Travel Medicine and Infectious Disease
|August 28, 2021
Summary
COVID-19-associated mucormycosis is a serious fungal infection. Key risk factors include steroid use, diabetes, and antibiotic overuse, with a high mortality rate necessitating a multidisciplinary approach.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Mycology
- Public Health
Background:
- The incidence of COVID-19-associated mucormycosis has significantly increased, particularly in India.
- This study investigates the characteristics of this emerging fungal infection in post-COVID-19 patients.
Observation:
- A case of maxillo-facial mucormycosis in a severe COVID-19 patient treated with systemic steroids is presented.
- Literature review identified 100 cases, predominantly from India, with males being the majority.
Findings:
- Common risk factors identified include corticosteroid use (90.5%), diabetes (79%), hypertension (34%), and excessive broad-spectrum antibiotic use.
- Rhino-orbital (50%) and rhino-sinusal (17%) involvements were most frequent.
- The overall mortality rate was 33.3%.
Implications:
- Steroid use, diabetes, environmental factors, antibiotic overuse, and hypoxia are critical risk factors for COVID-19-associated mucormycosis.
- High mortality rates underscore the need for prompt diagnosis and treatment.
- A multidisciplinary approach is crucial for managing and preventing this opportunistic infection.
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