Mucormycosis – an opportunistic infection in the aged immunocompromised individual: A reason for concern in COVID-19

In the case of hospitalized COVID-19 patients, especially aging people and those with severe symptoms who require a ventilator, corticosteroids are given in an attempt to alleviate some of the symptoms. However, steroids are known to lower immunity and raise blood sugar levels, and they tend to increase clotting factors and fibrinogen concentrations in patients. This situation provides an opportunity for pathogens to evade the human immune system and infect the host. According to a recent study, the number of cases of mucormycosis (also known as zygomycosis, black fungus) have increased in COVID-19 patients who are either hospitalized or have recovered [1].
Source: Maturitas - Category: Primary Care Authors: Tags: Editorial Source Type: research