ADVANCING COVID – 19 ASSOCIATED MUCORMYCOSIS

Malavika Ashok*, Aranya K. Sreekumar, Kavya Shyam and Archana J.R.

ABSTRACT

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a viral respiratory infection caused by newly discovered novel severe acute respiratory syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The disease pattern of COVID - 19 can range from asymptomatic to mild upper respiratory infection, it can also lead to a severe pneumonia with associated bacterial and fungal co-infections such as Mucormycosis caused by mold fungi (Zygomycetes), which is the third invasive mycosis in order of importance after candidiasis and aspergillosis. The rise in cases of mucormycosis is due to COVID - 19 which remain associated with impaired immune system of infected patient. A classic clinical sign of mucormycosis is the rapid onset of tissue necrosis with or without fever. Necrosis is the result of invasion of blood vessels and subsequent thrombosis. The standard management of mucormycosis requires early diagnosis, a reversal of risk factors and underlying illness, surgical debridement, and prompt administration of intravenous antifungals - usually Amphotericin B.

Keywords: Mucormycosis, COVID – 19, SARS CoV – 2, Zygomycetes, Aspergillosis, Amphotericin B, Surgical debridement.