What Is Black Fungus (Mucormycosis)?
Mucormycosis, commonly known as black fungus, is a rare but serious fungal infection caused by moulds in the Mucorales order :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}. It gained global attention during the COVID‑19 outbreak due to outbreaks in immunocompromised patients.
What Causes Black Fungus?
The infection occurs when people breathe in fungal spores or the spores enter through cuts :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}. These fungi live in soil, decaying organic matter, and rotting fruit :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.
Who Is at Risk?
- People with uncontrolled diabetes, especially diabetic ketoacidosis :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.
- Immunocompromised individuals—those on corticosteroids, chemotherapy, or post-transplant :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.
- Patients hospitalised with severe COVID-19, especially if treated with steroids :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}.
- Others with low neutrophil counts, HIV/AIDS, or iron overload :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}.
Types of Mucormycosis
- Rhinocerebral: Affects sinuses and brain—common in diabetics :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}.
- Pulmonary: Infects lungs—frequent in cancer or transplant patients :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}.
- Cutaneous: Enters via wounds—seen in burns or trauma :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}.
- Gastrointestinal: Rare; found in premature infants :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}.
- Disseminated: Spreads through bloodstream, often fatal :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}.
Recognising the Symptoms
- Sinus infection, facial swelling, black lesions on nasal bridge or in mouth :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}.
- Headache, fever, and eye swelling—may lead to vision loss :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}.
- Cough, chest pain, difficulty breathing—signals pulmonary involvement :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}.
- Painful skin blisters or ulcers at the infection site :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}.
Why Is It Dangerous?
The fungus invades blood vessels, causing tissue death and clots :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}. Even with treatment, the mortality rate remains high—around 50% overall :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}.
How Is It Diagnosed?
Doctors rely on:
- Clinical exams and imaging scans (CT/MRI)
- Tissue biopsy and cultures to confirm the fungus :contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}.
Treatment Steps
- Immediate antifungal therapy: Typically amphotericin B, posaconazole or isavuconazole :contentReference[oaicite:22]{index=22}.
- Removal of infected tissue: Surgical debridement is often necessary :contentReference[oaicite:23]{index=23}.
- Treat underlying conditions: Tight control of diabetes, reduce steroid use where possible :contentReference[oaicite:24]{index=24}.
Prevention Measures
- Maintain healthy glucose levels
- Avoid dusty or mouldy environments without protection
- Use sterile equipment in hospitals :contentReference[oaicite:25]{index=25}
- Ensure hygiene of medical devices post-COVID treatment :contentReference[oaicite:26]{index=26}
Real-Life Scenario
During the 2021 COVID‑19 wave in India, over 40,000 cases were reported; many followed steroid use in patients with diabetes :contentReference[oaicite:27]{index=27}.
FAQs
- Can healthy people get it? Rarely, mostly through cutaneous exposure after injuries :contentReference[oaicite:28]{index=28}.
- Is it contagious? No—mucormycosis is not transmitted between people :contentReference[oaicite:29]{index=29}.
- How urgent is treatment? Very—prompt intervention dramatically improves chances.
Internal Links
Final Thoughts
Black fungus strikes hard and fast in vulnerable individuals. Awareness of risk factors, early symptoms, and prompt medical action are key. Don’t underestimate its severity—your health could depend on swift detection.