After recovering from the coronavirus, many are now gripped by the deadly black fungus. Also known as Mucormycosis, it can be fatal if left untreated. The rare deadly fungal infection is now recurring among the Covid-19 patients across the country.

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Black Fungus and its causes

Black Fungus or mucormycosis is an invasive infection caused by a group of molds known as mucormycetes. These fungi are ubiquitous, naturally occurring in our environment, mainly in soil. Humans get the infection by inhaling the fungal spores floating around in the air and in the dust. These spores get deposited in the nasal passages and sinuses and cause disease in that area. The black fungus becomes really worst when people are affected with other health problems or take medicines that can lower the body’s ability to fight germs and sickness.

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Similarly, people with weak immune systems such as blood cancer, HIV/AIDS, diabetes, or bone-marrow transplant patients, who are unable to form neutrophils, a type of white blood cell that protects from the infections, in the initial weeks, are likely to fall prey to black fungus. 

While undergoing the treatment of Covid-19, patients are generally advised by the doctors to take heavy and prolonged steroid doses that can compromise immune systems. These steroids are likely to shoot up blood sugar levels, especially with uncontrolled diabetic patients. Surged blood sugar levels and acidic blood create a breeding ground for the Mucorales fungi to thrive. 

Symptoms and the Cure 

The symptoms of the black fungus vary from person to person. For some patients, the infections can start with strong headache, fever, nasal congestion, facial pain, while for others, it can be loss of vision, toothache, swelling in cheeks or upper jaw, eyes, black crusts in the nose, and sometimes face paralysis. There is a serious chance of dying, up to 50 per cent, if the infection reaches the brain. If it is diagnosed at the initial stage, then the patients can be saved. But, sometimes treating the infection can be extremely challenging, even at the early stage. Doctors can diagnose it through a tissue biopsy and an X-ray scan of the lungs.

With the surging cases of black fungus, doctors are prescribing antifungal treatments such as liposomal amphotericin B injections for at least 10 days to several weeks. However, these vital drugs are bound to induce substantial side effects, which can include kidney damage. Often, surgical intervention is also needed. In case of less severe treatment, doctors insert an endoscope through the nasal cavity and remove the diseased tissue. If the infection has spread further, the surgeons may need to remove the eyes or the jaw bone. The other most effective drug to treat black fungus is Posaconazole. It is generally recommended if the infection is detected early.