Mucormycosis has been increasingly described in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

The goal of anew study published in the Journal of Fungi was to describe that epidemiological factors, presentation, diagnostic certainty and outcome of patients with mucormycosis. 

The present study entailed a review of 41 published COVID-19-associated mucormycosis (CAMCR) cases, to identify risk factors, clinical features and outcomes. 

It was noted that CAMCR was typically seen in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) – 94%, especially the ones with poorly controlled DM and severe or critical COVID-19. Its presentation was typical of mucormycosis seen in diabetic patients—mostly rhino-orbital and rhino-orbital-cerebral presentation. Craniofacial pain without swelling can be of neuropathic origin in DM patients with COVID-19, and by itself, should not be suggestive of mucormycosis. Moreover, nearly all CAMCR infections were proven unlike the COVID-associated aspergillosis (CAPA) cases. 

In inference, it was stated that treating physicians should have a high suspicion for CAMCR in patients with uncontrolled DM and severe COVID-19 presenting with rhino-orbital or rhino-cerebral syndromes. In fact, CAMR is the intersection of two crises – DM and COVID-19. The benefit of antifungal therapy remains unknown, but hyperglycemia control is important for the prevention and management of mucormycosis.

Source: Journal of Fungi. 2021 Apr; 7(4): 298. doi: 10.3390/jof7040298