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The risk of cutaneous mucormycosis associated with COVID-19: A perspective from Pakistan

Sucharu Asri1, Muhammad Rizwan Akram2, Mohammad Mehedi Hasan3

  • 1Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FMHS), Shree Guru Gobind Singh Tricentenary Medical College, Haryana, India.

The International Journal of Health Planning and Management
|September 3, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Pakistan faces a surge in mucormycosis fungal infections, particularly cutaneous mucormycosis, following COVID-19. This invasive disease poses a significant mortality risk, straining healthcare systems already burdened by the pandemic.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Mycology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Pakistan experiences a high incidence of fungal infections, with cutaneous mucormycosis being a severe, invasive disease.
  • The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated mucormycosis cases due to increased corticosteroid use, viral-induced immunosuppression, prolonged ICU stays, and inadequate laboratory diagnostics.

Discussion:

  • The concurrent rise of mucormycosis and COVID-19 presents a dual threat to Pakistan's healthcare infrastructure.
  • Limited resources and diagnostic capabilities hinder effective management of these opportunistic fungal infections.

Key Insights:

  • Cutaneous mucormycosis is a critical health concern in Pakistan, with post-COVID-19 trends indicating an epidemic.
  • Factors contributing to the mucormycosis surge include compromised immunity and suboptimal healthcare conditions.

Outlook:

  • Urgent strategies are needed to address the rising burden of mucormycosis amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Strengthening diagnostic services and implementing targeted public health interventions are crucial for managing this dual pathogen challenge.
Keywords:
COVID-19Pakistancutaneous mucormycosispublic health

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