TAKE DIVERSION ǃ - A PERIODONTIST POINT OF VIEW ON MUCORRMYCOSIS.

Abstract

A new recently emerged complication of COVID-19 is a rare fungal infection also called the black fungus caused by a group of fungi called mucormycetes. These group of fungi commonly appear throughout the environment, particularly in association with decaying organic matter and in the soil. Oral health is essential to general health and greatly inuences the quality of life. Mucormycosis is a rapidly progressive fungal infection characterized by endothelium invasion and the development of thrombi in blood vessels resulting in necrosis. Mucormycosis localized to the periodontal tissues (i.e., gingiva and alveolar bone) is exceedingly rare. The clinical manifestation of mucormycosis also overlaps with the dental ndings of periodontal abscess, due to which it is misdiagnosed as lesion of periodontal origin. Early diagnosis is crucial in order to promptly initiate therapeutic interventions necessary for preventing progressive tissue invasion and its devastating sequelae and improving outcome and survival. Diagnosis of mucormycosis remains challenging. Clinical approach to diagnosis has a low sensitivity and specicity, it helps however in raising suspicion and prompting the initiation of laboratory testing. Successful management of mucormycosis is based on a multimodal approach, including reversal or discontinuation of underlying predisposing factors, early administration of active antifungal agents at optimal doses, complete removal of all infected tissues, and use of various adjunctive therapies. Another emerging imaging technique, which may eventually aid in the diagnosis and management of mucormycosis is the Cone Beam computed tomography(CBCT). Periodontal disease is not a fatal disease, but it can lead to any systemic or life threatening complications, which can be avoided by accurate diagnosis.