Deadly infection affects much of India after COVID-19 – Healthcare – World – NOVA News

India reports more than 8,800 cases of the deadly “black fungus” in a rapidly growing epidemic of the disease, write vesti.bg. Usually, a rare infection called mucormycosis results in a 50% mortality rate, with some patients being saved by surgical removal of the eyes.

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In recent months, however, the terrible disease has affected thousands of people cured or recovering from COVID-19. According to doctors, there is probably a link between the spread of the “black fungus” and corticosteroids used to treat coronavirus infection.

The western states of Gujarat and Maharashtra have reported more than half of the diagnosed cases of mucormycosis. In at least 15 other states, between eight and 900 cases have been reported. Due to the increase in the number of patients in 29 states in India, it was distributed to declare the infection an epidemic. Mucormycosis is the result of infection with the fungus Mucorales. The disease takes different forms, depending on the tissues affected. The development of a rhinocerebral form of the disease is often observed, affecting the lungs, gastrointestinal tract, etc.

The fungi that cause the disease can be found in the soil surface and decompose matter, including food products such as moldy bread. The infection is transmitted in different ways – by airborne route, by inhalation of spores of the fungus or through the eyes, by ingestion through the digestive tract or by penetration through the injured skin surface.

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The infection often develops in diabetics. Also at risk are transplant patients and those receiving long-term chemotherapy, antibiotics or corticosteroids. Predisposing factors for infection are malnutrition and herpes viruses.

There is no specific cure for mucormycosis. The treatment is complex, and in many cases surgical removal of the affected tissues is required. In general, mucormycosis is an extremely rare disease, but the coronavirus changes this.

“Infection with black fungus has become a bigger challenge than COVID-19. If patients are not treated in time and correctly, mortality can reach 94%. The cost of treatment is very high and there is a shortage of medicines, ”said Dr. Pandi, a doctor at one of India’s largest hospitals. He points out that over 80% of those infected need surgery immediately.

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