Related Experiment Video

Updated: Oct 12, 2025

Nasal Brushing Sampling and Processing Using Digital High Speed Ciliary Videomicroscopy – Adaptation for the COVID-19 Pandemic
09:03

Nasal Brushing Sampling and Processing Using Digital High Speed Ciliary Videomicroscopy – Adaptation for the COVID-19 Pandemic

Published on: November 7, 2020

5.1K

Mucormycosis in COVID-19 patients: predisposing factors, prevention and management

Pavan Kumar Rudrabhatla1, Aravind Reghukumar2, Sanjeev V Thomas3

  • 1Department of Neurology, Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, Thiruvananthapuram, India. pavankumarrudrabhatla@gmail.com.

Acta Neurologica Belgica
|November 25, 2021
PubMed

Insights

India faces a surge in COVID-19-associated mucormycosis (CAM), particularly among diabetics. Early diagnosis and a combined treatment approach are crucial for managing this serious fungal infection.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health
  • Mycology

Background:

  • India has the highest global burden of diabetes and mucormycosis.
  • The COVID-19 pandemic, especially its second wave in India, saw increased reporting of bacterial, viral, and fungal co-infections.
  • A significant rise in COVID-19-associated mucormycosis (CAM) has been observed, linked to diabetes mellitus and SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review and detail predisposing factors and mechanisms of CAM.
  • To outline diagnostic work-up, treatment modalities, and prevention strategies for CAM.
  • To emphasize central nervous system (CNS) mucormycosis in the context of CAM.

Main Methods:

  • Review of published literature on COVID-19-associated mucormycosis.
  • Analysis of predisposing factors, including immunosuppression, iron disequilibrium, endothelial injury, ketoacidosis, and hypoxia.
  • Examination of pathophysiological mechanisms, complications, and treatment strategies related to SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Main Results:

  • CAM presents a significant challenge, exacerbated by the confluence of diabetes, COVID-19, and mucormycosis in India.
  • Increased incidence of paranasal sinus and CNS mucormycosis in CAM cases compared to pre-COVID-19 literature.
  • Diagnostic delays are common due to non-specific initial symptoms, highlighting the need for high suspicion and screening.

Conclusions:

  • CAM is a medical and surgical emergency requiring prompt recognition and intervention.
  • A high index of suspicion and regular screening are vital for preventing severe outcomes.
  • The recommended treatment model involves withdrawing immunomodulators, initiating early antifungal therapy, and performing extensive surgical debridement.
Keywords:
AmphotericinCOVID-19Diabetes mellitusFungal infectionImmunosuppressionMucormycosisSurgical debridement

More Related Videos

Author Spotlight: Exploring Photodynamic Therapy with Curcumin in a Murine Model for Oral Candidiasis06:39

Author Spotlight: Exploring Photodynamic Therapy with Curcumin in a Murine Model for Oral Candidiasis

Published on: October 27, 2023

1.1K
An Ex vivo Assay to Study Candida albicans Hyphal Morphogenesis in the Gastrointestinal Tract07:42

An Ex vivo Assay to Study Candida albicans Hyphal Morphogenesis in the Gastrointestinal Tract

Published on: July 1, 2020

5.5K

Related Concept Videos

Fungal Group Zygomycota01:29

Fungal Group Zygomycota

Zygomycota, previously classified as a distinct fungal group, are primarily terrestrial, saprophytic molds that play a crucial role as decomposers. Recent phylogenetic studies have revealed that these fungi are now divided into two major clades — Mucoromycota, which includes many symbiotic species, and Zoopagomycota, which primarily consists of parasitic and pathogenic fungi. These groups exhibit distinct ecological roles and reproductive strategies while sharing key structural and...
259
Transmission-based Precautions II: Airborne and Protective Environment01:25

Transmission-based Precautions II: Airborne and Protective Environment

Transmission-based precautions are for patients infected or suspected to be infected (or colonized) with organisms posing a significant risk to others. The transmission precautions include airborne and protective environment precautions.
Airborne precautions:
Use airborne precautions when treating patients known or suspected to have diseases that spread through the air—for example, tuberculosis or measles. These organisms are present in smaller droplets expelled by an infected person and...
1.6K
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-V: Management01:29

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-V: Management

Managing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) involves a multifaceted approach to reduce symptoms, prevent exacerbations, improve overall health status, and slow disease progression. Key strategies include lifestyle modifications, pharmacotherapy, supportive therapies, and, in some cases, surgery. Here is an overview of the primary COPD management strategies:
Smoking Cessation
2.7K
Pneumonia V: Nursing management and Prevention01:30

Pneumonia V: Nursing management and Prevention

Nursing management of pneumonia involves promoting airway patency, facilitating rest and conserving energy, encouraging fluid intake, maintaining nutrition, and educating patients.
The nurse must practice strict medical asepsis and adhere to infection control guidelines to minimize healthcare-associated infections.
Enhance airway patency
Position the patient correctly to facilitate drainage of the affected lung segments. Manual or mechanical percussion and vibration can also be employed....
2.7K
Cystic Fibrosis: Management01:24

Cystic Fibrosis: Management

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an autosomal recessive disorder that predominantly affects individuals of Northern European descent, occurring at a rate of 1 in 3500. It is caused by a genetic mutation in a gene on chromosome 7, most commonly the ΔF508 mutation, that codes for the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein. This results in thicker mucus secretions and obstruction pathologies in multiple organs, including the lungs and sinuses.
Sinus disease and chronic...
240
Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection01:26

Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection

The hosts' susceptibility to infection depends on several factors. The integrity of the skin and mucous membranes helps protect the body against microbial attacks. When the skin is altered, the chance of infection, limb loss, and even death increases.
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin...
12.8K