Dental Perspective on Mucormycosis in COVID-19: a Literature Review

Abstract Purpose of ReviewThe purpose of this paper is to gain an understanding of existing knowledge and attain familiarity on mucormycosis for early diagnosis and treatment. It highlights the systematic factors, signs and symptoms, diagnostic tests and treatment procedure for mucormycosis from dentistry point of view. PubMed/ Medline, Scopus, Web of Science were the search engine used. Study selection encompassed systematic reviews, critical reviews and case reports related to mucormycosis in COVID-19 patients and only mucormycosis. 19 articles were selected between Years 2001 to 2021. Analysis was done based on patient ’s comorbidity, site of mucormycosis infection, use of steroids and its effect on people with COVID -19 infection.Recent FindingsRhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis is the most common of all systemic manifestations of mucormycosis. Diabetes mellitus and long-term corticosteroid therapy are the leading risk factors with pre-existing diabetes mellitus accounting for almost 80% cases.   Elements that facilitate the growth of mucor in COVID-19 patients are the presence of low oxygen levels, high blood glucose levels, acidic media, high levels of iron, immunosuppression, and episodes of prolonged hospitalization. Mucormycosis is heterogenic in nature. Its management requires an in dividualized plan that considers the immunity status of the host, stage of the infection, systemic disease, early diagnosis and susceptibility to anti-fungal agents. Supervised use...
Source: Current Oral Health Reports - Category: Dentistry Source Type: research