COVID19 associated mucormycosis: A review

Mucormycosis, a rare fungal disease has emerged as a new epidemic in India, during the CoronaVirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Mucormycosis is caused by the mucormycetes group of molds. Immunocompromised states such as diabetes, chronic steroid use, and patients receiving immunosuppressant drugs are the risk factors for mucormycosis. The second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic has also invited the notorious mucormycosis in the current scenario. India has announced mucormycosis as a notifiable disease in May 2021, as the number of COVID-19-associated mucormycosis cases has increased swiftly. There are different opinions and evidence for the emergence of mucormycosis or the so-called ‘black fungus’. It is proposed that the use of steroids, monoclonal antibodies, and prolonged hospitalization in the treatment of COVID-19 has substantially decreased the immunity in COVID-19-affected patients and maybe the reason for the emergence of fungal infections. The other hypothesis is that improper disinfection procedures such as using non-sterile water for humidification of oxygen can be the reason. Or, the COVID-19 infection itself produces an immunocompromised and diabetic-like state is again a question. This review mainly focuses on the discussion and identification of the most common risk factor for mucormycosis, investigations, and management of mucormycosis.