Mucormycosis: A case report of black fungus as COVID-19 complication

Abstract

We report a case of post-COVID-19 mucormycosis infection caused by Rhizopus oryzae. The patient was diagnosed with COVID-19 and treated according to the existing protocols. Following recovery, the patient developed swelling and pain in the right upper region of the face. A diagnosis of mucormycosis was established after cone-beam computed tomography findings. The patient was referred to a government hospital where she was treated according to the COVID protocol. Generally, mucormycosis develops in patients who are immunocompromised or suffering from debilitating disease which was COVID infection and uncontrolled diabetes in this case. The mold usually gains entry through the respiratory tract involving the nose and sinuses, which can further progress to intracranial structures. Early diagnosis and intervention are the keys to good prognosis and decreasing morbidity. Judicious use of drugs is required in COVID-19 patients, especially in immunocompromised patients as research is still in progress. Opportunistic fungal coinfections are one of the complications which are needed to be taken care of. Prophylactic treatment protocols need to be established, along with rational use of corticosteroids.

Keywords

• complication
• covid-19
• mucormycosis