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Mucormycosis Epidemic in Covid Era: A Sinister Superinfection

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Abstract

In this study, we attempt to look at the various presentations, comorbidities and association of the recent epidemic of rhino-orbital cerebral mucormycosis with Covid-19 in central India. A prospective study of 612 patients diagnosed with mucormycosis from April to July 2021. Detailed history was taken and thorough clinical examination was done. The relation of mucormycosis with Covid-19 and other morbidities was studied. Nasal endoscopy, imaging and management findings were tabulated and analyzed. Male predominance of the disease was noted. The most common age group affected was found to be 41–50 years group having 33.1% of all patients. 83.2% patients had history of Covid-19 infection. Majority of the patients (41.6%) had mucormycosis symptoms within 1 month of Covid-19 symptom onset. Nasal symptoms predominated with 61.1% patients having one or more of the several nasal symptoms. Most common comorbidity was diabetes mellitus (75.8% cases). Nasal and sinus debridement was performed in 584 patients (95.4%). Mucormycosis turned into a widespread epidemic during the second wave of Covid-19 in India. Diabetes mellitus was the most common associated comorbidity that increased the risk of mucormycosis in patients with history of Covid-19 infection. A high index of suspicion in patients presenting with early symptoms in the context of Covid-19, along with prompt diagnosis using radiological, endoscopic and microbiological tools will help reduce mortality to a great extent. Mainstay of treatment is aggressive surgical and medical management, controlling comorbidities and adequate post-operative care.

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Acknowledgements

The Authors acknowledge Dr. Sanjay Dixit, Dean & CEO of MGMMC, Indore and Dr. PS Thakur, Superintendent, MYH, Indore for providing advice and support for management of these cases.

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The authors did not receive support from any organization for the submitted work.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Otorhinolaryngology, M.G.M Medical College, 301-A, Elite Anmol, Shree Mangal Nagar, Near Bengali Square, Indore, M.P., 452016, India

    Sonith Peter George, Jagram Verma, Surbhi Godha, Yamini Gupta & R. K. Mundra

  2. Department of Otorhinolaryngology Medical College, Ratlam, M.P, India

    Lokesh Bhalot

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  1. Sonith Peter George
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  2. Lokesh Bhalot
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Correspondence to Surbhi Godha.

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George, S.P., Bhalot, L., Verma, J. et al. Mucormycosis Epidemic in Covid Era: A Sinister Superinfection. Indian J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 75, 3501–3506 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12070-023-04014-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12070-023-04014-7

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