Abstract

Dr. Seema Malav, Chetna Jangid and Dr. Bhupendra Kumar Mandawat*

ABSTRACT

Background: COVID-19 is associated with an increased risk of secondary infections.The recent rise in the number of cases of COVID-19 during the second wave of pandemic has been associated with a rise in cases of fungal infections such as Mucormycosis(MM) especially among critically ill patients. Objective: Main aim of this study is to find out occurrence of infection by mucorales group, Aspergillus and other groups of fungus and find out clinical features, site involvement of body with underlying risk factors in CAM patients. Method: This is a retrospective observational study of 214 cases of Mucormycosis in COVID-19 patients. The collected data had detailed age, gender, RT-PCR for COVID-19, underlying disease, uncontrolled diabetes, use of steroid, broad-spectrum antibiotics and method of oxygen delivery system. We did direct KOH and culture on SDA for clinically diagnosed cases Mucormycosis who are RT-PCR COVID-19 positive or history of RTPCR positive a few days back. Result: Out of 214 clinically defined cases of Mucormycosis in COVID-19 patients Males were 63% whereas females were 37% and Male to female ratio was 1.7:1. Mean age of the patient was 43+ 11 years in the present study. 45% cases of Mucormycosis were COVID-19 RT-PCR positive. 47.2% were positive for direct KOH, 33.18 % positive for culture on SDA. In growth isolates 50.70 % were Rhizopus sp, 21.13 % were specified Mucorales, 28.17% were non specified Mucorales and 18.31 % has mixed growth of Rhizopus and Aspergillus sp. Most of the patients presented in OPD with complaints of headache lethargy and mild body ache. Most common co-morbidity was in COVID-19 RT-PCR positive Mucormycosis cases were Diabetes mellitus as compared to malignancy and other kidney diseases 72% patients have uncontrolled diabetes and Most common site of involvement is rhinoorbital sinusitis. Conclusion: Mucormycosis gained attention for its wide spread existence during this period of the second wave of COVID-19. In COVID-19 pandemic surge of cases of Mucormycosis in COVID-19 positive patients were especially with uncontrolled diabetes mellitus and on treatment with steroids and immunosuppressive drugs.