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Mucormycosis, past and present: a comprehensive review
Ishita Gupta1, Pritika Baranwal1, Gagandeep Singh2
1Department of Microbiology, Ram Lal Anand College, University of Delhi, Benito Juarez Road, New Delhi, 110021, India.
Abstract:
Mucormycosis is an emerging opportunistic angioinvasive fungal infection. Predisposing factors such as diabetes, neutropenia, long-term corticosteroid therapy, solid organ transplantation and immunosuppression contribute to its occurrence. This disease was not of significant concern prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, but gained prominence due to infections in COVID-19 patients. Mucormycosis needs special attention and coordinated efforts of the scientific community and medical professionals to reduce morbidity and mortality. Here we present an overview of the epidemiology and prevalence of mucormycosis in the pre- and post-COVID-19 eras, the factors that contributed to the abrupt increase in COVID-19-associated mucormycosis (CAM), the actions taken by the regulatory agencies (including Code Mucor and CAM registry), the existing diagnostic tools and CAM management strategies.
Insights
Mucormycosis, a fungal infection, surged during the COVID-19 pandemic. This overview details COVID-19-associated mucormycosis (CAM) epidemiology, risk factors, and management strategies.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Mucormycosis is an opportunistic angioinvasive fungal infection.
- Risk factors include diabetes, neutropenia, corticosteroid use, transplantation, and immunosuppression.
- Its incidence significantly increased during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an overview of mucormycosis epidemiology and prevalence.
- To examine factors contributing to COVID-19-associated mucormycosis (CAM).
- To review regulatory actions, diagnostic tools, and CAM management.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and data synthesis.
- Analysis of pre- and post-COVID-19 epidemiological data.
- Examination of regulatory responses and clinical management strategies.
Main Results:
- Significant rise in mucormycosis cases linked to COVID-19.
- Identification of key predisposing factors exacerbated by the pandemic.
- Overview of established and emerging diagnostic and treatment protocols.
Conclusions:
- Mucormycosis, particularly CAM, requires urgent attention.
- Coordinated scientific and medical efforts are crucial to reduce morbidity and mortality.
- Effective management strategies are essential for combating this emerging infection.
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