Dr. Randeep Guleria said that the black fungus cases are increasing rapidly and warns to avoid misuse of steroids

 

AIIMS Director Randeep Guleria
File pic

Black fungus infection which is also known as mucormycosis has been rapidly spreading in several states of the India. Mucormycosis caused with the fungus named mucor.

Dr. Randeep Guleria, director of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) and also the member of Covid-19 medical team said that Black fungus also known as mucormycosis have been rapidly spreading in the country. This infection is mainly contracting to the Covid-19 patients.

He said that there is more chance of its spreading in the diabetic patients. Misuse of the steriods during the treatment of Covid-19 patients is also the reason behind this fungus. He further said that hospitals must follow the protocols of infection control practices because it is been seen that fungal and bacterial infections are causing more mortality.

He said that mucormycosis can affect the brain, face, infected nose and orbit of an eye, it can even cause the loss of vision. It can also affect the lungs of an infected person.

Several states have been witnessing the black fungus in many Covid-19 patients. It is been said that overuse or misuse of the steroids is the one reason behind this infection. Second reason is that it mostly contracting the diabetic patients. Central government has extended the difference between two doses of the Covishield vaccine for the prevention from black fungus.

Dr. Suresh kumar who is the MD of LNJP hospital said that Steroid use must be reduced. If it is given to patient with O2 level over 90, black fungus is a possible side-effect. Early diagnosis critical. CT scan of the face would detect this infection. Antifungal drug Amphotericin being used for treatment.

He also said that overuse, misuse or rampant use of steroids in the Covid-19 patients cause black fungus. We have 4 patients here who are diabetic. Quite often patient dies due to fungus instead of Covid-19.

It has been said that black fungus caused to the Co-morbid person and the person who have remained in ICU. It also causes on the dusty construction sites. Personal hygiene is also required to maintain for the prevention from black fungus.