Medical Laboratory Technology Journal
Vol. 8 No. 1 (2022): June

Clinicopathological Study of Mucormycosis in Post Covid Patients, an Epidemic in Pandemic

Divya Pujari Jayakeerthy ("J.J.M.Medical college", Davangere, Karnataka. Rajiv Gandhi University Of Health Sciences.)
Pradeep Kumar Reddy Mereddy ("J.J.M.Medical College", Davangere,Karnataka. Rajiv Gandhi University Of Health Sciences)
Adicherla Govardhan ("J.J.M.Medical College", Davangere,Karnataka. Rajiv Gandhi University Of Health Sciences.)
Seema Bijjaragi ("J.J.M.Medical College", Davangere,Karnataka. Rajiv Gandhi University Of Health Sciences.)



Article Info

Publish Date
27 Jun 2022

Abstract

Mucormycosis is an angio-invasive disease caused by saprophytic fungi of the order Mucorales. Mucormycosis has been established and recognized as a complication of the SARS-CoV-2 infection. Mucormycosis, well known as "black fungus" is creating an epidemic within a global pandemic. The use of different dose regimens, prominent steroids, and multiple comorbidities like Diabetes Mellitus and post-COVID could predispose to mucormycosis. The aim of the study was to study the increase in cases and morphological features of mucormycosis infection in hospitalized post-COVID patients. This prospective study was done for four months, from May 1st, 2021, to August 31st, 2021. All the suspected cases of mucormycosis specimens sent to the Department of Pathology, J.J.M. Medical College, Davangere, for histopathological diagnosis were considered. For microscopic examination, the collected samples were fixed in 10% formalin solution, processed, and stained with Haematoxylin and Eosin. Periodic Acid-Schiff special staining was done. Thirty cases of mucormycosis were collected from patients who had recovered from COVID-19. Mean age 63±12 (37-80) years with Male:Female ratio being 1.3:1. The mean duration between diagnosis of COVID-19 and development of symptoms of mucor was 23.5±10 (7–60) days. Rhino-orbital mucormycosis was the most typical presentation. Out of 30 cases, 28 cases (93.3%) were Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, and 2 cases (6.6%)were nondiabetic. All patients received corticosteroids for the treatment of COVID-19. Trinity of COVID -19, Diabetes Mellitus, and Corticosteroid treatment was significant for the rise in mucormycosis cases. Mucormycosis is an invasive fungal infection and had seen a sudden surge during the second wave of COVID-19. In our study, most patients had a history of diabetes, and corticosteroid therapy with rhino-orbital mucormycosis was the most typical presentation. As the severity of the necrosis increases, the presence of fungal hyphae also increases, which leads to extensive destruction of tissue. Extra vigilance in immunosuppressed patients helps in reducing the morbidity and mortality due to mucormycosis in Post COVID era.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

JAK

Publisher

Subject

Biochemistry, Genetics & Molecular Biology Health Professions Immunology & microbiology Nursing Public Health

Description

The aim of this journal publication is to disseminate the conceptual thoughts or ideas and research results that have achieved in the area of medical laboratory sciences. This Journal particularly focuses on the main problems in the development of the sciences of medical laboratory areas. It covers ...