What is 'deadly' Black Fungus disease and why COVID-19 patients should take extra care against it?

Once the fungal moulds attack human sinuses, it soon spreads to the lungs, the brain and the central nervous system. Here is everything you need to know about the new medical threat that India is up against.

WHAT IS BLACK FUNGUS? Mucormycosis or black fungus is caused by a group of fungal moulds called mucormycetes. These fungi live throughout the environment, particularly in soil and in decaying organic matter, such as leaves, compost piles or rotten wood.

Updated on:

20 May 2021, 10:15 am

2 min read

HOW IS IT CAUSED? Although Mucormycosis is a very rare infection, it is caused by exposure to mucor mould.

HOW BLACK FUNGUS AFFECTS THE HUMAN BODY? Once the fungal moulds attack human sinuses, it soon spreads to the lungs, the brain and the central nervous system.

HOW TO DIAGNOSE MUCORMYCETES?: The problem with black fungus is that generally goes undetected during the initial days of infection. A CT scan of the sinus can health medicos to identify the fungal disease. can diagnose it through A tissue biopsy and X-ray scan of the lungs can also reveal the infection to the doctors.

IS MEDICATION AVAILABLE FOR MUCORMYCOSIS? The two drugs most effective at treating mucormycosis are amphotericin B and posaconazole – provided the infection is found early.

WHO ARE VULNERABLE TO BLACK FUNGUS?: People who have undergone organ transplants suffering/recovered from COVID-19, HIV/AIDS and other viral diseases, congenital bone marrow disease, severe burns, cancers and irregularly treated diabetes are prone to developing mucormycosis due to reduced immunity.

WHY COVID PATIENTS FALL PREY TO BLACK FUNGUS: Steroid treatment is said to be the reason for the increased vulnerability of coronavirus patients. Steroid doses suppress the patient's immune system to adverse symptoms in check and thus makes the body accessible for the fungus. A healthy immune system can see off the fungus without causing any problems.

WHAT SHOULD WE DO? Patients should get checked for mucormycosis if they have a persistent headache, sudden facial pain or blackish discharge or crust or blood from the nose. It is also recommended that vulnerable survivors of the virus should entertain fewer visitors for the two weeks following recovery.