Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) Associated mucormycosis (CAM)

Abstract

The currently prevalent COVID-19 infection, its line of treatment, resultant immunosuppression, and pre-existing comorbidities have made patients exposed to secondary infections including mucormycosis. Mucormycosis is a rare but in invasive fungal infection (IFI) due to several species of saprophytic fungi, occurring in patients with underlying co-morbidities which include diabetes mellitus, organ transplant, immunosuppressive corticosteroid therapy. The maxilla rarely undergoes necrosis due to its rich vascularity. Rare but not uncommon is the incidence of mucormycosis associated maxillary osteomyelitis occurring post COVID-19 infection. Fungal osteomyelitis is a life-threatening infection which may further spread from maxilla to the nose and paranasal sinuses within the orofacial region. It is an aggressive infection that needs to be addressed promptly to prevent fatal consequences.