Diabetics Vulnerable to Infection
A very high level of risk is found in patients who have a history of diabetes. Poor air quality in India has led to a fast proliferation of fungi.
The fungus mostly infects surface areas of the body such as the skin. Fungi can also infect parts of the body that come into contact with air.
When people inhale fungal spores, they enter the sinuses and spread to the airways deeper in the body.
“The fungus starts in the sinuses and spreads through the mucous membrane into the bones. It can also progress through the bones to the eye, eye socket, muscles and nerves, “says Cornely
When that happens, surgeons often have to remove the entire eye to save the patient’s life. This is a radical surgery, but is seen as the only way for doctors to remove infected tissue.
“Fungi can also infect the brain,” said Cornely.
When that happens, it is almost always fatal. It depends on how fast and how well the patient receives treatment. The mortality rate is between 50-90 percent.
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