Post-COVID- 19 Mucormycosis: A Review

Abstract

Background and Aims: After being affected by a severe second wave of COVID-19 with numerous cases and deaths, India is now facing new challenges due to the disease. One of these is the feared complication of rhino-orbital mucormycosis in post-infectious individuals. Case reports and research studies on this association are on the rise. Our goal is to conduct a comprehensive literature review to evaluate the distinctiveness of individuals with mucormycosis and COVID-19. Methods: A literature search was done on the following databases: PubMed, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Library using the following keywords like COVID 19, Mucormycosis, Mucor, Novel coronavirus, and SARS CoV-2, a systematic. Results: Studies have shown that history of diabetes mellitus and steroid treatments were the common possible factors for the increased post-covid-19 mucormycosis.  Hyperglycemia secondary to uncontrolled hyperglycemic states like DM and immunosuppression secondary to covid-19 infection, steroid use form a vicious cycle causing mucormycosis. Conclusion: Increased incidence of mucormycosis in India post-COVID infection appears to be due to a triad of diabetes, irrational steroid use, and COVID-19 itself. To decrease the frequency of deadly mucormycosis in patients with COVID-19, all attempts should be made to preserve optimal sugar levels in the body, and the use of corticosteroids should be restricted and should be given as per recommended by ICMR.