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Erami M, Raiesi O, Momen-Heravi M, Mirhendi H, Aboutalebian S, Getso MI, Matini AH, Ahsaniarani AH, Ganjizadeh M, Hassani Josheghani H, Amiri S, Pakzad R, Hashemi SJ. COVID-19 associated mucormycosis (CAM) in Kashan, Iran: clinical presentations, risk factors, management, and outcomes. Infect Dis (Lond) 2024; 56:81-90. [PMID: 37816067 DOI: 10.1080/23744235.2023.2267669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aimed to estimate the disease burden and describe the clinical presentation, risk factors, and outcome of CAM in a single centre in Iran. METHODS A case of mucormycosis was defined as one that had clinical and radiological features consistent with mucormycosis along with demonstration of the fungus in tissue via KOH mount/culture/histopathological and molecular examination. RESULTS We report 30 cases of COVID-19 associated mucormycosis (CAM). The results of this study showed the affected age group in the range of 40-79 years (median = 65.5; IQR = 5) with women (16/30, 53%) affected more than men (14/30, 47%). Among the fungi recovered, Rhizopus oryzae had the highest frequency (79%). Out of the 30 patients, 28 (93%) patients were diabetic with 24 (80%) patients having other co-morbidities. Headache followed by retro-orbital pain, proptosis/ptosis and rapid diminution of vision was a common sequence of symptoms reported by the majority of cases. Use of mechanical ventilation (58% vs. 6%, p = 0.003), O2 required (92% vs. 50%, p = 0.024), and development of renal dysfunction during hospital stay (17% vs. 0%, p = 0.041) was significantly higher in non-survivors than survivors. Temperature (C°), PR (pulse rate), mean levels of serum creatinine, BUN, troponin, and neutrophils were significantly higher in non-survivors (p < 0.05). Besides, Albumin and PO2 were also significantly higher in survivors than non-survivors. CONCLUSION Despite medical and surgical treatment, the mortality rate among CAM patients is still high. Thus, concerted efforts of revamping surveillance, diagnosis and management, along with public awareness and patient education, are the requisites for managing COVID-19 and mucormycosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahzad Erami
- Department of Medical Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Omid Raiesi
- Department of Parasitology, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
- Zoonotic Diseases Research Center, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
| | | | - Hossein Mirhendi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Shima Aboutalebian
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Muhammad Ibrahim Getso
- Department of Medical Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, College of Health Sciences, Bayero University Kano, Kano, Nigeria
| | - Amir Hassan Matini
- Department of Pathology and Histology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti Hospital, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Amir Hossein Ahsaniarani
- Head and Neck Surgery, Department, Otorhinolaryngology, School of Medicine, Matini Hospital, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Mohsen Ganjizadeh
- Kashan Shahid Beheshti Hospital, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | | | - Sasan Amiri
- Roozbeh hospital, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reza Pakzad
- Department of Epidemiology, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
| | - Seyed Jamal Hashemi
- Department of Medical Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Beardsley J. Pathogens of importance in lung disease-Implications of the WHO fungal priority pathogen list. Respirology 2024; 29:21-23. [PMID: 37956991 PMCID: PMC10952795 DOI: 10.1111/resp.14623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Justin Beardsley
- University of Sydney Infectious Disease InstituteSydneyNew South WalesAustralia
- Westmead Institute for Medical ResearchSydneyNew South WalesAustralia
- Department of Infectious DiseasesWestmead Hospital, NSW HealthSydneyNew South WalesAustralia
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Raina D, Rohilla R, Patwal S, Pandita A. The Second COVID-19 Wave Is a Tsunami With Aftershocks: Mucormycosis Ire as Seen in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Uttarakhand, India. Cureus 2023; 15:e47358. [PMID: 38021725 PMCID: PMC10657149 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.47358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND During the spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) or the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in recent times, an upsurge of invasive fungal infections (IFIs) such as mucormycosis was witnessed by many countries like India. This COVID-19-associated mucormycosis (CAM) has presented as a menace to the already creaking health infrastructure. Clinical manifestations, risk factors, and end clinical outcomes varied for every other region/country. The aim of this study is to delineate and analyze plausible clinical and epidemiological factors and associated predictors of CAM in suspected patients presenting to a tertiary care hospital in Uttarakhand, India, during the second wave of COVID-19 in India. MATERIAL AND METHODS A total of 200 cases of suspected post‑COVID-19 mucormycosis were enrolled. Data were collected taking into account parameters such as hospitalization and ICU admissions during the episode of COVID-19 infection, steroid/antibiotics/oxygen requirement, and comorbidities such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension, or any chronic illness and outcome. RESULTS Participants diagnosed with CAM using KOH examination and fungal culture were analyzed in the study (n=46). The median age of patients included was 48, 73.9% were males, and 26% were females. The major predisposing factor was found to be diabetes mellitus type 2. Our work suggests that the mean duration between COVID-19 episodes and CAM was 11.86 days with a significant statistical association. Oxygen requirement and imprudent use of steroids/antibiotics were also allied with mucormycosis. CONCLUSION The burden of such IFIs is expected to be unveiled in tropical countries during pandemics such as COVID-19, which lead to immunosuppression in masses post-treatment. Comorbidities such as diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and hypertension add to the risk of acquiring other infectious disease. Such times require competent healthcare professionals such as diagnosticians, physicians, and surgeons who are skilled to manage such IFIs timely.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimple Raina
- Microbiology, Shri Guru Ram Rai Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, Dehradun, IND
| | - Ranjana Rohilla
- Microbiology, Shri Guru Ram Rai Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, Dehradun, IND
| | - Shiwang Patwal
- Microbiology, Shri Guru Ram Rai Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, Dehradun, IND
| | - Ajay Pandita
- Community Medicine, Shri Guru Ram Rai Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, Dehradun, IND
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S A, Govindarajan K, S Y, Parivallal PLG, Hariharan S, Khaleel A, Sb PT, Goswami K, Saravanan P, Panneerselvam D. A Comparative Study on Survivors Versus Non-Survivors Among Diabetic Patients Having Mucormycosis. Cureus 2023; 15:e47932. [PMID: 38034231 PMCID: PMC10684971 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.47932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Mucormycosis is a rare opportunistic fungal infection caused by fungi belonging to the Mucorales order and Mucoraceae family. It ranks as the third most prevalent angioinvasive fungal infection, following aspergillosis and candidiasis. This severe infection typically affects individuals with compromised immune systems, including those with hematological malignancies like leukemia and lymphoma, individuals who have undergone stem cell transplants, and people with diabetes mellitus. Individuals in good health are rarely affected, making immunocompromised individuals particularly vulnerable to this potentially fatal fungal disease. The aim of this study was to perform a comparative analysis of survivors versus non-survivors among diabetes patients admitted with mucormycosis. Methodology This was a descriptive observational study. A total of 338 patients were enrolled in the study. The study variables included demographics, COVID-19 infection, diabetes mellitus history, steroid use, use of oxygen support, and steam inhalation. Results Of the total 338 patients enrolled in the study, 253 (74.9%) were male and 85 (25.01%) were female. The number of survivors were 305 (90.2%) and non-survivors were 33(9.8%). The mean age of survivors was 52.50 ± 11.31 and non-survivors was 54.06 ± 8.54 years. Patients who underwent steam inhalation had a higher chance of survival compared to those who did not undergo steam inhalation and this association was statistically significant (p=0.01). Males showed a higher chance of survival (93.7%) as compared to females (80.0%). The associations between oxygen support, steroid use, and COVID-19 infection with the survival status were statistically non-significant. Conclusion There was a strong association between the history of steam inhalation and the outcome of mucormycosis among diabetes patients admitted with mucormycosis. Female patients demonstrated a higher fatality rate than males indicating a significant gender disparity observed in cases. Our findings may help to better identify and treat patients who are at higher risk for severe forms of mucormycosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anbumathi S
- Medicine, Madras Medical College, Chennai, IND
| | | | - Yogesh S
- Medicine, Madras Medical College, Chennai, IND
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Pushpa Saravanan
- Diabetes and Endocrinology, Madras Medical College, Chennai, IND
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Allaw F, Zakhour J, Nahhal SB, Koussa K, Bitar ER, Ghanem A, Elbejjani M, Kanj SS. Mucormycosis: A 14-Year Retrospective Study from a Tertiary Care Center in Lebanon. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:824. [PMID: 37623595 PMCID: PMC10456049 DOI: 10.3390/jof9080824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 07/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Mucormycosis (MCM) is a serious invasive fungal disease (IFD) that is associated with high mortality, particularly in immunocompromised patients. A global surge in MCM cases was reported with the COVID-19 pandemic. We analyzed all recorded cases of MCM at the American University of Beirut Medical Center (AUBMC), a tertiary care center in Lebanon, over 14 years. We aimed to identify the incidence, seasonal variation, clinical characteristics of the patients, and predictors of mortality. We conducted a retrospective chart review between 1 January 2008 and 1 January 2023. All patients with proven or probable MCM were included in the study. Proven or probable MCM was defined by positive histopathology and/or positive cultures. A total of 43 patients were identified as having MCM. Their median age was 53 years, and the majority were males (58.1%). Most of the cases were diagnosed in the autumn season. In total, 67.4% of the patients had hematological malignancies (HMs), and 34.9% had uncontrolled diabetes mellitus (DM). The most common site of involvement was rhino-orbital-cerebral MCM (ROCM) (74%). The annual cases of MCM per 100,000 patient days increased markedly during the years of the COVID-19 pandemic (from 0 to 4.4 cases/100,000 patient days to 7.5 cases/100,000 during 2020 and 2021). Liposomal amphotericin (Ampho) B was used as a first-line agent in most of the patients (86%). The median duration of total in-hospital antifungal therapy was 21 days and 51.2% of the patients received step-down therapy with azoles. Surgical debridement and isolated ROCM were significantly associated with survival (p-value: 0.02 and <0.001, respectively). All-cause mortality was 46.7%, with chronic renal disease being significantly associated with mortality (p-value < 0.05). The incidence of MCM has been increasing at our institution, particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic. Early diagnosis, treatment, and surgical debridement improve patient outcomes and overall survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatima Allaw
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut 110236, Lebanon; (F.A.); (J.Z.); (S.B.N.)
| | - Johnny Zakhour
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut 110236, Lebanon; (F.A.); (J.Z.); (S.B.N.)
| | - Sarah B. Nahhal
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut 110236, Lebanon; (F.A.); (J.Z.); (S.B.N.)
| | - Karim Koussa
- Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut 110236, Lebanon; (K.K.); (E.R.B.)
| | - Elio R. Bitar
- Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut 110236, Lebanon; (K.K.); (E.R.B.)
| | - Anthony Ghanem
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut 110236, Lebanon;
| | - Martine Elbejjani
- Clinical Research Institute, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut 110236, Lebanon;
| | - Souha S. Kanj
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut 110236, Lebanon; (F.A.); (J.Z.); (S.B.N.)
- Center for Infectious Diseases Research, American University of Beirut, Beirut 110236, Lebanon
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Almyroudi MP, Akinosoglou K, Rello J, Blot S, Dimopoulos G. Clinical Phenotypes of COVID-19 Associated Mucormycosis (CAM): A Comprehensive Review. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12123092. [PMID: 36553099 PMCID: PMC9777018 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12123092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
A mucormycosis surge was reported during the COVID-19 pandemic in India. A literature search until 14 July 2022, with the aim of updating COVID-19-associated mucormycosis (CAM), identified 663 studies and 88 met inclusion criteria (8727 patients). India reported 8388 patients, Egypt 208 and Europe 40. Rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis (ROCM) was identified among 8082 (98.3%) patients, followed by 98 (1.2%) with pulmonary. In India, 82.6% of patients had diabetes mellitus, with 82% receiving corticosteroids. In Europe, 75% presented pulmonary CAM, 32.5% had diabetes and 40% were immunocompromised. CAM was identified at a median of 17.4 days (IQR 7.5 days) post COVID-19 diagnosis, and PCR was performed in five studies. Rhino-orbital invasion is clinically obvious, while cerebral involvement presents with cavernous sinus thrombosis, meningitis and cerebrovascular disease. Symptoms of pulmonary CAM usually overlap with severe COVID-19 pneumonia. High-dose liposomal Amphotericin B (and early surgical debridement in ROCM) are the mainstay of therapy. The median mortality rate was estimated to be 21.4% (IQR 31.9%), increased by the presence of pulmonary (80% (IQR 50%) or cerebral involvement (50% (IQR 63.9%). In summary, different CAM clinical phenotypes need to be distinguished, influenced by geographical presentation. Opportunities exist for diagnosis and therapy optimization, based on earlier high-dose antifungal therapy, early source control, strict glycemic control and restriction of steroids to COVID-19 patients with oxygen requirements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Panagiota Almyroudi
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University Hospital Attikon, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 12462 Athens, Greece
| | - Karolina Akinosoglou
- Department of Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, University General Hospital of Patras, School of Medicine University of Patras, 26504 Rio, Greece
| | - Jordi Rello
- Vall d’Hebron Institute of Research, Barcelona, Spain & Clinical Research, CHU Nîmes, 30900 Nîmes, France
| | - Stijn Blot
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
- UQ Centre for Clinical Research, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane 4029, Australia
| | - George Dimopoulos
- 3rd Department of Critical Care, EVGENIDIO Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11528 Athens, Greece
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +30-6944756565
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Anand T, Mukherjee A, Satija A, Velamuri PS, Singh KJ, Das M, Josten K, Yadav PD, Sahay RR, Keche AY, Nagarkar NM, Gupta P, Himanshu D, Mistry SN, Patel JD, Rao P, Rohatgi S, Ghosh S, Hazra A, Kindo AJ, Annamalai R, Rudramurthy SM, Singh MP, Shameem M, Fatima N, Khambholja JR, Parikh S, Madkaikar M, Pradhan VD, Kataria S, Sharma P, Panda S, Shete AM, Majumdar T, Abraham P, Bhargava A, Mehata R, Arora RD, Tigga R, Banerjee G, Sonkar V, Malhotra HS, Kumar N, Patil R, Raut CG, Bhattacharyya K, Arthur P, Somu L, Srikanth P, Panda NK, Sharma D, Hasan W, Ahmed A, Bathla M, Solanki S, Doshi H, Kanani Y, Patel N, Shah Z, Tembhurne AK, Rajguru C, Sankhe LR, Chavan SS, Yadav RM, Deswal V, Kumar K. A case control investigation of COVID-19 associated mucormycosis in India. BMC Infect Dis 2022; 22:856. [PMID: 36384482 PMCID: PMC9667849 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-022-07844-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Increased occurrence of mucormycosis during the second wave of COVID-19 pandemic in early 2021 in India prompted us to undertake a multi-site case–control investigation. The objectives were to examine the monthly trend of COVID-19 Associated Mucormycosis (CAM) cases among in-patients and to identify factors associated with development of CAM. Methods Eleven study sites were involved across India; archived records since 1st January 2021 till 30th September 2021 were used for trend analysis. The cases and controls were enrolled during 15th June 2021 to 30th September 2021. Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire. Among 1211 enrolled participants, 336 were CAM cases and 875 were COVID-19 positive non-mucormycosis controls. Results CAM-case admissions reached their peak in May 2021 like a satellite epidemic after a month of in-patient admission peak recorded due to COVID-19. The odds of developing CAM increased with the history of working in a dusty environment (adjusted odds ratio; aOR 3.24, 95% CI 1.34, 7.82), diabetes mellitus (aOR: 31.83, 95% CI 13.96, 72.63), longer duration of hospital stay (aOR: 1.06, 95% CI 1.02, 1.11) and use of methylprednisolone (aOR: 2.71, 95% CI 1.37, 5.37) following adjustment for age, gender, occupation, education, type of houses used for living, requirement of ventilatory support and route of steroid administration. Higher proportion of CAM cases required supplemental oxygen compared to the controls; use of non-rebreather mask (NRBM) was associated as a protective factor against mucormycosis compared to face masks (aOR: 0.18, 95% CI 0.08, 0.41). Genomic sequencing of archived respiratory samples revealed similar occurrences of Delta and Delta derivates of SARS-CoV-2 infection in both cases and controls. Conclusions Appropriate management of hyperglycemia, judicious use of steroids and use of NRBM during oxygen supplementation among COVID-19 patients have the potential to reduce the risk of occurrence of mucormycosis. Avoiding exposure to dusty environment would add to such prevention efforts. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12879-022-07844-y.
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Ostovan VR, Tabrizi R, Bazrafshan H, Bahrami Z, Khazraei H, Khazraei S, Borhani-haghighi A, Moghadami M, Grant M. Mortality-Related Risk Factors for Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)-Associated Mucormycosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Curr Fungal Infect Rep. [PMID: 35971380 PMCID: PMC9366801 DOI: 10.1007/s12281-022-00440-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Purpose of Review Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) can increase the susceptibility of individuals to contracting mucormycosis through several mechanisms. Nowadays, coronavirus disease (COVID-19)-associated mucormycosis (CAM) is a serious public health concern, particularly in developing countries. This meta-analysis aims to identify the risk factors that affect the mortality rate of patients with CAM. Recent Findings We systematically searched PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, Cochrane library, and preprint databases using pertinent keywords and the reference lists of the included relevant articles from inception till October 27, 2021. In order to reduce the effects of small-scale studies, we only selected cross-sectional, case–control, and cohort studies and case series with at least four patients. We identified 26 articles that included 821 patients with CAM. The effect size (ES) of mortality rate was 28% (95% confidence interval (CI) 20%–38%; I2 =82.28%; p for Cochran Q<0.001). The CAM patients with a history of comorbidities other than diabetes (malignancies, transplant, or renal failure), mechanical ventilation due to COVID-19, pulmonary and cerebral mucormycosis, and those who only received medical treatment for mucormycosis had the highest mortality rate. Summary Coronavirus disease (COVID-19)-associated mucormycosis (CAM) is a major public health problem, particularly in developing countries. Severe COVID-19 infection, history of mechanical ventilation, early CAM, comorbidities other than diabetes (malignancies, transplant, or renal failure), pulmonary and rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis, and delivering only medical treatment for mucormycosis were the worst prognostic factors in CAM patients. Identifying the mortality-related risk factors in CAM patients may help reduce the mortality rate by implementing optimized treatment approaches. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12281-022-00440-2.
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Balushi AA, Ajmi AA, Sinani QA, Menon V, Berieki ZA, Shezawi AA, Azri SA, Rashdi AA, Jardani AA, Baluki TA, Ghaithi SA, Reesi AA, Al-Za'abi AT, Al’ Balushi MA, Maqbali TA. COVID-19-Associated Mucormycosis: An Opportunistic Fungal Infection. A Case Series and Review. Int J Infect Dis 2022; 121:203-210. [PMID: 35533833 PMCID: PMC9075983 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2022.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2022] [Revised: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A surge in COVID-19-associated mucormycosis cases has been observed during the second wave of COVID-19 in summer of 2021. Most cases were reported from India. The Delta variant (B.1.617.2) was the most common variant circulating at that time. Mucormycosis is an opportunistic angioinvasive fungal infection with high morbidity and mortality. METHODS We present 10 cases of COVID-19-associated rhino-orbital and rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis managed in a secondary hospital in Oman. RESULTS The median time for developing mucormycosis was two weeks after COVID-19 diagnosis. All patients were newly diagnosed or already known to have poorly controlled diabetes mellitus. Five patients received corticosteroid therapy for COVID-19. Three patients had severe COVID-19 and died of severe acute respiratory distress syndrome and septic shock. Another three patients died of advanced mucormycosis and cerebral involvement. Despite aggressive medical and surgical intervention, the mortality rate was 60% (6/10). CONCLUSION Mucormycosis is an aggressive opportunistic infection with high morbidity and mortality that requires prompt recognition and urgent intervention. Uncontrolled blood sugar, the use of corticosteroids, and immune dysfunction due to COVID-19 are all important risk factors for development of mucormycosis. Worse outcomes are associated with poor glycemic control despite aggressive medical and surgical interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asma Al Balushi
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Internal Medicine Department, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Oman,Corresponding author: Asma Al Balushi: Address: Infectious Diseases Unit, Internal Medicine Department, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Seeb, Alkhoudh, P. O. Box 35, Postal Code 123, Oman. Mobile number: (+968) 92319222
| | - Ahmed Al Ajmi
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department, Sohar Hospital, Ministry of Health, Sohar, Oman
| | - Qais Al Sinani
- Ear, Nose and Throat Surgical Department, Sohar Hospital, Ministry of Health, Sohar, Oman
| | - Varna Menon
- Histopathology Department, Sohar Hospital, Ministry of Health, Sohar, Oman
| | - Zainab Al Berieki
- Radiology Department, Sohar Hospital, Ministry of Health, Sohar, Oman
| | - Asma Al Shezawi
- Radiology Department, Sohar Hospital, Ministry of Health, Sohar, Oman
| | - Saleh Al Azri
- Central Public Health Laboratories, Directorate General for Disease Surveillance and Control, Ministry of Health, Muscat, Oman
| | - Azza Al Rashdi
- Central Public Health Laboratories, Directorate General for Disease Surveillance and Control, Ministry of Health, Muscat, Oman
| | - Amina Al Jardani
- Central Public Health Laboratories, Directorate General for Disease Surveillance and Control, Ministry of Health, Muscat, Oman
| | - Thuwaiba Al Baluki
- Internal Medicine Department, Sohar Hospital, Ministry of Health, Sohar, Oman
| | - Salem Al Ghaithi
- Internal Medicine Department, Sohar Hospital, Ministry of Health, Sohar, Oman
| | - Ali Al Reesi
- Internal Medicine Department, Sohar Hospital, Ministry of Health, Sohar, Oman
| | | | | | - Talib Al Maqbali
- Ear, Nose and Throat Surgical Department, Sohar Hospital, Ministry of Health, Sohar, Oman
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Kumar S, Acharya S, Jain S, Shukla S, Talwar D, Shah D, Hulkoti V, Parveen S, Patel M, Patel S. Role of Zinc and Clinicopathological Factors for COVID-19-Associated Mucormycosis (CAM) in a Rural Hospital of Central India: A Case-Control Study. Cureus 2022; 14:e22528. [PMID: 35345725 PMCID: PMC8955911 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.22528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)has been a difficult enemy to beat for healthcare professionals around the world. However, even before the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been an emergence of a new combatant in the form of opportunistic fungal infections with a high rate of morbidity and mortality, creating havoc throughout the globe. Methods A case-control single-center study was conducted in Datta Meghe Institute of Medical Sciences, Wardha, Maharashtra. All the subjects who were included in the study were tested positive for COVID-19 through the reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) method and the cases were defined as patients with biopsy-proven mucormycosis, whereas control were subjects who did not develop mucormycosis. The duration of the study was three months, from June 2021 to August 2021. Result A total of 55 cases and 50 controls were enrolled in the study. The use of zinc was found to be significantly associated with COVID-19-associated mucormycosis, with 89.1% of the cases having a history of zinc intake and only 52% of controls having a history of zinc intake( p-value <0.001). Diabetes mellitus was found to be significantly associated with COVID-19-associated mucormycosis with 83.6% of the cases and 16% of the controls having diabetes mellitus (p-value <0.001). Although the use of steroids in cases was more with 98.2% of the cases and 54% of the control receiving steroids; this difference was not significant statistically (p-value of 1.00). Conclusion We conclude that apart from diabetes mellitus and other immunosuppressive states, zinc might be the hidden culprit behind the sudden surge of COVID-19-associated mucormycosis worldwide owing to the self-administration of zinc by the patients to acquire innate immunity and over-prescription of multivitamins by the treating clinicians. However, this association required further studies in order to be proved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunil Kumar
- Department of Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Medical Sciences (Deemed to be University), Wardha, IND
| | - Sourya Acharya
- Department of Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Medical Sciences (Deemed to be University), Wardha, IND
| | - Shraddha Jain
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Medical Sciences (Deemed to be University), Wardha, IND
| | - Samarth Shukla
- Department of Pathology, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Medical Sciences (Deemed to be University), Wardha, IND
| | - Dhruv Talwar
- Department of Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Medical Sciences (Deemed to be University), Wardha, IND
| | - Divit Shah
- Department of Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Medical Sciences (Deemed to be University), Wardha, IND
| | - Vidyashree Hulkoti
- Department of Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Medical Sciences (Deemed to be University), Wardha, IND
| | - Sana Parveen
- Department of Otolaryngology, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Medical Sciences (Deemed to be University), Wardha, IND
| | - Mansi Patel
- Department of Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Medical Sciences (Deemed to be University), Wardha, IND
| | - Sujal Patel
- Department of Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Medical Sciences (Deemed to be University), Wardha, IND
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