An increasing number of cases of the black fungus was first recorded earlier in May. Science Times previously reported that this deadly fungus could damage the internal organs, leaving some patients blind after the infection.
Also known as mucormycosis, the black fungus disease targets those with weak immune systems, like COVID-19 patients. Although there were also cases of mucormycosis even during the first wave of the pandemic, India's situation is more critical and increasing at an alarming rate.
Over 20,000 cases have been recorded across the country. In the first evidence-based multicenter study, which they called "MucoCovi," doctors from the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) in Chandigarh reveal the reason for the emergence of the black fungus in COVID-19 patients.
What Caused Black Fungus in India?
At least 16 healthcare centers participated in the MucoCovi study that aims to provide detailed information on the COVID Associated Mucormycosis (CAM) reported from September 1 to December 31, 2020, The Indian Express reported.
Dr. Arunaloke Chakrabarti, Professor, and Head of the Department of Medical Microbiology, PGI said that 0.27% of the CAM patients were managed in hospital wards, while 1.6% of them remain in the ICU. The study suggests that there is a 2.1-fold increase in mucormycosis in India from 2019 to 2020, which is linked to the COVID-19 pandemic.
On average, CAM diagnosis is made 18 days after the COVID-19 infection. Around 58% of the patients had nose and eye infections, followed by brain infections of around 27%, and then 9% of the cases had a lung infection.
Comparing CAM and non-CAM, doctors found that uncontrolled diabetes mellitus was the underlying disease that is common in both groups. Their findings showed that CAM patients were 20.9% more likely to be newly diagnosed diabetes patients as well, compared to non-CAM.
Moreover, doctors also found that 63.3% of the improper steroid use cases were associated with the development of late CAM. Improper steroid use could be in the form of taking very high doses or its use in patients who do not need it.
The findings debunk all previously held myths on the black fungus. Uncontrolled diabetes and improper steroid use are major factors for the emergence of black fungus.
Death Rate of Black Fungus (CAM and non-CAM)
According to the Health Site, the overall death rate due to black fungus in both CAM and non-CAM groups was 38.3% at six weeks. It increases to up to 45.7% by the time the illness reaches 12 weeks.
Moreover, experts said that some patients have a higher risk of dying from black fungus. These are patients below 54 years old who have brain or lung infection and who underwent ICU admission.
In conclusion, the authors said that the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in the rise of black fungus cases. The MucoCovi is the first evidence-based study on mucormycosis in India that coincides with the surge of COVID-19 in India.
The study, entitled "Multicenter Epidemiologic Study of Coronavirus Disease-associated Mucormycosis, India," is published in the US CDC's journal, the reputed Emerging Infectious Disease Journal.
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