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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Speaking at a webinar conducted by the Press Information Bureau, Gastroenterologist Dr. Rajeev Jayadevan explains that the cases of mucormycosis we are witnessing are a tiny fraction of COVID-19 cases. Explaining what makes COVID-19 patients prone to mucormycosis, he said, "Having COVID-19 in the background of diabetes and steroid use, is a classic setting for triple immune suppression. COVID-19 affects many segments of our body, including our immune system." Stating that there is a link between diabetes and mucormycosis, the doctor informed, "Many people in our country have diabetes. Given this and our population, the number of people who fall sick is higher than in any other country. So, it is understandable that some of them will catch mucormycosis.

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The doctor further explained: "For diabetic patients, when the blood glucose of sugars cannot be controlled, the immune system is not able to work properly. In the case of severe diabetes, the function of pathogen-fighting cells like neutrophils gets impaired. Factors such as this make us prone to contracting mucormycosis. A high sugar level in itself is conducive to fungal growth. Fungus loves sugar, it loves trace metals like zinc, it also grows on dead tissue and until the body repairs the dead tissue, the fungus may grow on it". 

In the next stage, "The fungus invades our blood cells, our tissues don't get oxygen supply and die, and when the tissues die, they become black in colour. This is the reason why the name black fungus is used for mucormycosis ," explains the Gastroenterologist. 

Dr. Jayadevan says, "If you get COVID-19 after vaccination, it will be mild in the vast majority of cases". The doctor further suggested that medicines are not necessary in mild cases of COVID. Hence, in cases of mild COVID-19, the chance of catching steroid-related mucormycosis will be low, opined the doctor. "But if instead of letting the mild COVID case cure by itself, if the person starts self-medication, taking medicines that are not required, it may set the stage for a fungal infection that would have never happened in the first place", he cautioned. 

He further advised that "Never take it lightly. There is no need to panic. But, after 5-6 days, if your symptoms are worsening, if you are getting tired, short of breath, unable to eat, chest pain or simply not feeling well, then go to a hospital and see a doctor. Alternatively, you can do teleconsultation with a doctor also."