Mucormycosis

Mucormycosis is a rare but serious fungal infection triggered by a group of fungi known as mucormycetes. These fungi are found in the soil, animal excreta, compost piles, rotten leaves, wood and are widespread in nature. Despite their extensive distribution, these molds rarely create medical problems. 

However, they can induce severe, even life-threatening illnesses like mucormycosis in people with weaker immune systems in conditions such as diabetes, chronic steroid use, and use of immunosuppressant drugs.

Preliminary diagnosis of mucormycosis is made by patient history, physical exam, and the patient's risk factors while definitive diagnosis is derived by identifying the fungi in the patient's tissue. Treatment requires antifungal drugs like amphotericin B, a good control of underlying or causative medical conditions and surgical removal of infected tissue.

Mucormycosis was earlier a fairly scarce occurrence, but became quite common in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The second wave in India in 2021 led to a multi-fold rise in cases of this disease. It is proposed that the use of steroids, monoclonal antibodies and prolonged hospitalization substantially compromised immunity or the COVID‑19 infection itself produced an immunocompromised state. The other reason could have been the use of non‑sterile water in oxygen cylinders.