Rhino-orbital cerebral mycosis: a case series of non-mucorales in COVID patients

Rhino-Orbito-cerebral mycoses are not only caused by Aspergillus spp. and Zygomycetes spp. but also can be associated with other rare species such as Neurospora spp., Cladosporium spp. and Fusarium spp. Mucormycosis is associated causatively with immunocompromised states, for example patients with comorbidities such as diabetes mellitus. Clinical symptoms of coronavirus disease (COVID) and mucormycosis in tandem are critical and relentless, frequently with no life-saving treatment.

We report three patients with COVID-19 infection, who during the course of treatment developed rhino-orbital-cerebral mycosis including oral cavity involvement. Rhinocerebral mycosis along with oral cavity involvement was diagnosed by radiological investigations and preliminary screening for fungal infection (KOH mount) in all three cases. Empirical treatment was started but patients did not respond to treatment. All patients died even after debridement and maxillectomy. On culture, rare species of fungi were isolated in all three cases which, with the help of a reference laboratory, were identified as Neurospora, Cladosporium and Fusarium. Neurospora is considered nonpathogenic to humans. Cladosporium is a dematiaceous fungus found in soil in all climates, associated with disseminated or cerebral infections; and Fusarium, though considered a saprophytic colonizer of skin and respiratory mucosa along with other bacteria, is a common cause of mycotic keratitis worldwide.

Immune system modifications due to COVID-19 with/without other risk factors can result in fungal co-infections that prove to be fatal for the patients. It is vital to be aware that COVID-19 patients, particularly those who are critically ill, may acquire secondary fungal infections and early detection is critical.