COVID-19-Associated Pulmonary Mucormycosis

Abstract

COVID-19-associated mucormycosis (CAM) emerged as an epidemic in certain parts of the world amidst the global COVID-19 pandemic. While rhino–orbital mucormycosis was well reported during the pandemic, in the absence of routine diagnostic facilities including lower airway sampling, pulmonary mucormycosis was probably under-recognized. In this review, we have focused on the epidemiology and management of COVID-19-associated pulmonary mucormycosis (CAPM). CAPM is a deadly disease and mortality can be as high as 80% in the absence of early clinical suspicion and treatment. While histopathological examination of tissue for angio-invasion and cultures have remained gold standard for diagnosis, there is an increasing interest in molecular and serological methods to facilitate diagnosis in critically ill patients and often, immune-suppressed hosts who cannot readily undergo invasive sampling. Combined medical and surgical treatment offers more promise than standalone medical therapy. Maintaining adequate glycemic control and prudent use of steroids which can be a double-edged sword in COVID-19 patients are the key preventative measures. We would like to emphasize the urgent need for the development and validation of reliable biomarkers and molecular diagnostics to facilitate early diagnosis.