Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 13, 2026

Studying Microbial Communities In Vivo: A Model of Host-mediated Interaction Between Candida Albicans and Pseudomonas Aeruginosa in the Airways
06:43

Studying Microbial Communities In Vivo: A Model of Host-mediated Interaction Between Candida Albicans and Pseudomonas Aeruginosa in the Airways

Published on: January 13, 2016

8.9K

View of mucormycosis during the era of COVID-19 infection: A cross-sectional study

Ossama M Zakaria1, Dana W Alkuwaity1

  • 1Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, King Faisal University, Al-Ahssa, Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia.

Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care
|January 8, 2024
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Knowledge about mucormycosis (black fungus) and its link to COVID-19 is low in Saudi Arabia. This study highlights the need for greater public awareness regarding this serious fungal infection, especially in immunocompromised individuals.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Mycology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Mucormycosis co-infection diagnosis is challenging during the COVID-19 pandemic, often leading to misdiagnosis or delayed detection.
  • Immunocompromised individuals are particularly susceptible to mucormycosis due to weakened host immunity.
  • Understanding public perception is crucial for managing co-infections during global health crises.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the general population's knowledge and awareness of mucormycosis (black fungus).
  • To assess the perceived relationship between mucormycosis and COVID-19 in Saudi Arabia.
  • To identify potential gaps in public understanding for targeted health interventions.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective, questionnaire-based, cross-sectional study design was employed.
  • Data were collected from 1138 participants across various regions of Saudi Arabia.
  • Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 21 to evaluate knowledge levels.

Main Results:

  • A significant portion of the study population demonstrated poor knowledge regarding mucormycosis and its connection to COVID-19.
  • Female respondents (35%) showed a statistically significant higher level of knowledge compared to males (28.9%) (P=0.036).
  • Age, education, and employment status were not significantly associated with the level of public knowledge.

Conclusions:

  • A considerable percentage of the Saudi Arabian population exhibits inadequate knowledge and awareness of mucormycosis in the context of COVID-19.
  • There is a clear need for public health initiatives to improve understanding of this fungal infection and its risk factors.
  • Enhanced awareness campaigns are essential to facilitate timely diagnosis and management of mucormycosis co-infections.
Keywords:
Black fungusCOVID-19mucormycosisperception

More Related Videos

Histological Quantification to Determine Lung Fungal Burden in Experimental Aspergillosis09:52

Histological Quantification to Determine Lung Fungal Burden in Experimental Aspergillosis

Published on: March 9, 2018

10.6K
Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy-Based Quantitative Analysis of Aspergillus fumigatus Conidia Distribution in Whole-Mount Optically Cleared Mouse Lung15:01

Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy-Based Quantitative Analysis of Aspergillus fumigatus Conidia Distribution in Whole-Mount Optically Cleared Mouse Lung

Published on: September 18, 2021

3.4K

Related Concept Videos

Sputum Studies I: Gram Stain, cytology, and Acid-fast smear and culture01:26

Sputum Studies I: Gram Stain, cytology, and Acid-fast smear and culture

Sputum studies are a critical part of diagnosing and treating numerous respiratory conditions. These studies involve obtaining sputum samples for analysis to identify pathogenic organisms and assess the presence of abnormal cells indicative of malignant conditions. This lesson will delve into three fundamental sputum studies: Gram Stain, Cytology, and Acid-fast Smear and Culture.
Gram Stain
The Gram Stain is an integral part of sputum studies. It involves the staining of sputum, which permits...
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...
Cytomegalovirus Disease01:27

Cytomegalovirus Disease

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease is caused by human cytomegalovirus, a double-stranded DNA virus of the Herpesviridae family. While primary CMV infection is often asymptomatic in immunocompetent individuals, the virus can cause severe disease in neonates and immunocompromised patients. CMV is the most common cause of congenital viral infection in the United States, and a major pathogen in solid organ and hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients.CMV is transmitted via bodily fluids, sexual...
Cryptococcal Meningitis01:27

Cryptococcal Meningitis

Cryptococcal meningitis is a life-threatening opportunistic infection predominantly associated with HIV/AIDS, accounting for over 100,000 deaths annually worldwide. However, it also affects individuals with other forms of immunosuppression, including those undergoing immunosuppressive therapy, organ transplant recipients, patients with innate immunodeficiencies, and individuals with hematological disorders. The infection is caused mainly by Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii,...
Candidiasis01:20

Candidiasis

Candidiasis is a fungal infection caused by opportunistic species of Candida. It can affect various anatomical sites, including the skin, oral cavity, nails, and genitourinary tract. Among its forms, vaginal candidiasis is the most common type of mucosal infection. It typically results from the overgrowth of Candida albicans in the vaginal mucosa. Under normal conditions, C. albicans exists as a commensal organism within the vaginal microbiota, regulated by the dominance of lactobacilli, which...
Antifungal Agents01:15

Antifungal Agents

Amphotericin B is a broad-spectrum antifungal agent that exploits structural differences between fungal and mammalian cell membranes. Its amphipathic structure—featuring a hydrophobic polyene-lactone ring and a hydrophilic region containing mycosamine and carboxylic acid groups—enables selective binding to ergosterol, a sterol predominantly found in fungal plasma membranes. This selective interaction underlies the drug’s antifungal activity, although weak binding to cholesterol contributes to...