COVID-19-associated mucormycosis: Preliminary report from a tertiary eye care centre

Mucormycosis is a life-threatening infection that has made sudden comeback in COVID-19 era. We conducted this study to determine demography, site of involvement, management, and outcome in these patients.

All cases presenting with signs and symptoms of mucormycosis were thoroughly evaluated and confirmed diagnosis was made on demonstration of fungi in the tissue (or body fluids) either by direct microscopy and/or culture. Patients underwent computerized tomography scan for paranasal sinuses and magnetic resonance imaging scan with contrast orbit and brain to know extent of disease.

540 proven cases of mucormycosis were included. Most common age group affected was 41-50 years with male preponderance (69%). Sinonasal was the most common site of involvement in mucormycosis (100%), followed by orbital (51.85%), cerebral (9.44%), cutaneous (1.85%), and pulmonary (0.18%). Most common presentation was periocular and facial swelling (28%). 97.96% patients had associated diabetes and 89.44% patients had history of COVID-19 with concurrent steroids use (84.85%), higher antibiotics (82.59%), oxygen therapy (52.40%), remdesivir (28.89%), and biological agents (2.56%). Duration from COVID-19 positivity to presentation of mucormycosis was 22.56 days, while 4.44% patients had coexisting COVID-19 with mucormycosis. The mortality rate was 9.25% (50/540).

Timely diagnosis and appropriate management can ameliorate the consequences of mucormycosis. With the third wave of COVID-19 coming, epidemiological study to identify risk factors and possible management options can help physicians to develop the treatment strategy.