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Retrospective study of patient characteristics and treatment for mucormycosis in post COVID-19 population in a tertiary care hospital
  1. Jada Naga Lakshmi1,
  2. Jada Bala Sai Kalyan2,
  3. Tanniru Govardhana Priya1,
  4. Tummala Sushma1,
  5. Gaddam Rukmini1,
  6. R V L S Mounica1,
  7. Tinnaluri Vishnu Vardhan1
    1. 1Department of Pharmacology, Vignan Pharmacy College, Guntur, India
    2. 2Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Sibar Institute of Dental Sciences, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India
    1. Correspondence to Dr Jada Naga Lakshmi, Pharmacology, Vignan Pharmacy College, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, 522213, India; drjnlpharmacology{at}gmail.com

    Abstract

    Objectives Along with the COVID-19 pandemic, another illness wreaking havoc in India is mucormycosis, also known as black fungus. Mucormycosis was previously known as zygomycotic infection, which is a consequential type of infection caused by several mildews known as Mucoromycetes. It is an invasive type of disease which occurs more commonly in individuals with low and weakened immunity. The main objective of this study was to identify the mucormycosis cases post COVID-19 and to determine the risk factors and treatment for positive cases.

    Methods Thirty-three patients (61% men, 39% women; mean age 55 years) with mucormycosis were identified in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.

    Results People who received COVID-19 vaccines had a lower rate of infection with the fungus than non-vaccinated people. In steroid users the risk was very high compared with those not taking steroids.

    Conclusion The majority of non vaccinated patients with preexisting co-morbidity conditions like diabetes, chronic illnesses and irregular use of steroids during COVID-19, might have greater risks of getting mucormycosis rather than normal COVID-19 positive cases.

    • COVID-19
    • PULMONARY MEDICINE
    • Communicable Diseases
    • Drug Monitoring
    • CRITICAL CARE
    • Diabetes Mellitus

    Data availability statement

    Data sharing not applicable as no datasets generated and/or analysed for this study. Data are available upon reasonable request.

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    Data availability statement

    Data sharing not applicable as no datasets generated and/or analysed for this study. Data are available upon reasonable request.

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