Mucormycosis ( The black Fungus )

 Amid rise of Covid cases in the 2nd episode of COVID-19 there has been rise of "The Black fungus" cases in Covid patients all over Country.

What is Mucormycosis?

Mucormycetes the group of Fungi that cause Mucormycosis are present throughout the environment. You may encounter its spores on daily basis but our Immune system is capable enough to cope up with this spores entering in our body through different sources. 

WBC's play most important role in providing protection to our body against fungal diseases.

Who can contract Mucormycosis?

Mucormycosis is an old disease just like TB , Pneumonia. It is more prevelant among uncontrolled Diabetic patients ( 700-800). 

It is also seen in patients who are immuno compromised or who are on steroids ( steroids lower body's immunity ).

It is seen in patients having low WBC count. Particularly Lymphopenia is seen in patients contracting Mucormycosis 

(Lymphopenia: Decrease in Lymphocytes count of WBC. Lymphocytes are 1 of 5 types of WBC)

What is relation between COVID-19 and Mucormycosis?

Fact check : Covid patients who are not on steroids and ventilator have almost zero chances of contracting Black fungus.

For understanding relationship between COVID-19 patients and Mucormycosis let us know some basic information about Fungus. 

We often see fungus growing on food items like Bread ever wondered why it doesn't grown in Salt , Sugar even if you leave it open. 

Favorable conditions for growth of fungus require Source of energy i.e. Glucose and Moisture.

COVID-19 Patients on ventilator are continously provided with Oxygen and a large quantity of oxygen used nowadays is of Industrial Grade because medical grade oxygen production requires sufficient amount of time and it would be very difficult to meet the requirements of oxygen demand of country. Industrial Grade oxygen is one factor responsible for contract this Fungal infection. 

Also the patients on ventilator are on humidifier which acts as another factor for growth of fungus as it provides moist environment for growth of fungus.

The patient with uncontrolled Diabetes are on

 high risk for contracting Mucormycosis because high glucose level of body act as source of energy for fungus.

These 3 Factors are responsible for onset of the deadly fungal disease.

What are symptoms of Mucormycosis?

1. One sided facial swelling 

2. Headache 

3. Nasal and sinus congestion 

4. Fever

5. Black lesions on nasal bridge or upper side of mouth in severe condition 

How fatal is Mucormycosis?

Mortality rate of Mucormycosis is believed to be around 50% which is very high. Early treatment of disease can help controlling it but once it becomes severe it is difficult to cure it. 

Should healthy person worry about it ?

Non Diabetic patients and Covid patients not on ventilator have no chances of contracting Mucormycosis. They should not panic about it their immune system is capable of protecting them against it.

Why there was surge in cases of this Fungal disease in 2nd wave ?

There is no clear evidence on why these cases were not reported in 1st wave but one hypothesis is the Delta mutant virus responsible for 2nd wave may have impact on CD4 and CD8 cells of our immunity causing in decrease of their population thus weakninng of immune responses.