India is currently battling with the second wave of COVID-19, and continuously working and taking actions to break the chain of COVID-19 spread. The recent reports of Indian Health Ministry shows that the case load of COVID-19 is slowly declining, the peak of COVID-19 case is nor trending down. However, the new complication that has come into effect is the fungal infection that are effecting patients recovering from COVID-19, that too on a large scale. 

You might have heard about the fungal infection, Black Fungus back in some days, but that is not the only dangerous complication but other fungal infection like white or yellow has also been detected in patients recovering from COVID-19, in back some days.

The prominent thing about these fungal infections noticed is that they are mostly effecting COVID-19 patients those who are suffering from comorbid conditions. The increasing cases of these fungal infection has become a cause of worry.

The Director of AIIMS, Dr. Randeep Guleria, suggest that used the medical name of these infections instead of categorizing these fungal infections based on color. This will help general public understand the complication of the infection.

He further explained that there are various fungal infection candida, aspergillosis, cryptococcus, histoplasmosis and coccidioidomycosis. However, the prominent infections that have been detected in COVID patients, are Candida, aspergillosis, and Mucormycosis. Here people need to know that, Mucormycosis or Black fungus, is not a contagious infection that means it is not communicable.

The three kind of fungal infection that has been detected in patients in last some days are Candida or Aspergillus (white fungus) and Mucor Septic (yellow fungus) besides Mucormycosis (black fungus).

Let us see about these fungal infections in detail.

MUCORMYCOSIS or BLACK FUNGUS……..

What is Mucormycosis? 

Mucormycosis, or Black Fungus, are kind of fungal infection that are caused by the mucoromycete mould, mainly found in soils, leaves or decayed woods.

Who is at risk? 

Both recovered and recovering patients from COVID-19 having following complications are at more risk:

1. Diabetic patients who has uncontrolled level of sugar.
2. Comorbid COVID patients, following a medication that includes immunosuppressant or heavy dose of steroids.
3. Patients in ICU for long-time.
4. Patients undergoing cancer treatment

What are symptoms? 

Some of the early or initial symptoms of Black Fungus or Mucormycosis include:

• sinus pain or nasal blockage on one side of the face
• One-sided headache
• Swelling or numbness
• Toothache or loosening of teeth
• blurred vision, discoloration or blackening of tissue on nose and cheeks

How is it treated? 

Mucormycosis is treated with powerful antifungal medications that can be taken orally or through IV. These drugs target the fungal specimens, reduce the growth, and eliminate the fungus completely. In case of serious complications and damage to the tissues that may lead to organ failure, doctors may intervene with surgical procedure.

Candida or Aspergillus (White Fungus) 

What Is Candida or Aspergillus/White Fungus?

Recently, some of the sates in India have reported cases of white fungal infection and is considered as dangerous as Mucormycosis. It has been found to be effective on children and women. Doctors believe that white fungus is a result of unsanitary use of oxygen concentrators/cylinders, using tap water in the humidifier instead of distilled water and indiscriminate use of steroids.

Who Is At Risk?

• Immuno-compromised patients are at high risk of getting infected with white fungus
• Patients living under unsanitary conditions like mould, garbage bins are prone to this infection
• Diabetics patients with very high blood sugars, people suffering from cancer, organ transplant patients are more at the risk
• Diabetics patient also suffering from cancer and those on long steroids treatment are more at risk of catching white fungus.

What are symptoms? 

The signs of white fungal infection is somewhat similar to that of COVID-19 symptoms and include:

• Fever and breathlessness
• Diarrhea
• Dark spots on lungs, detected by a chest CT-scan
• Reduced levels of oxygen
• White patches in oral cavity
• Skin lesions

How is it treated? 

The treatment protocol is like other fungus medications. Doctors would prescribe high dosage of antifungal medicines to curtail it from spreading to various organs in the body.

Mucor Septic (Yellow Fungus)

What is Mucor Septic (Yellow Fungus)?

This type of fungal infection is mostly found in reptile group like lizards and is quite rare in human. But in last few days, some cases of yellow fungus has been detected in certain parts of the country. t is considered as far more dangerous than other two fungi, as it spreads much faster.

It is caused due to excessive humidity in the surroundings, accumulation of dirt, and pollutant. It also causes by consuming contaminated food and indiscriminate use of steroids.

Who Is At Risk?

Patients who have following conditions are at high risk:

• If you are a diabetic with COVID-19 symptoms, make sure to keep blood sugar levels under control
• Prolonged use of steroids is also another risk factor
• Cancer, organ transplant patients
• Ensure cleaner surroundings

What are symptoms? 

Patients suffering from yellow fungus may show following symptoms:

• Confusion and severe fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Unintended weight loss
• Slow healing of wounds
• Pus leakage
• Sunken eyes
• Necrosis
• Multi-organ failure

How is it treated? 

Yellow fungus is treated aggressively by powerful antifungal medications that are administered both orally and through IV. The broad-spectrum antifungal medications help in cutting down the spread of this fungus in the body and prevent major damage. If not treated in time, it can lead to fatality.

Stay Informed! Get Vaccinated! Stay Safe! 

Thank you!