Mucormycosis - resurgence of a deadly opportunist during COVID-19 pandemic: Four case reports.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients who suffer severe infection or comorbidities have an increased risk of developing fungal infections. There is a possibility that such infections are missed or misdiagnosed, in which case patients may suffer higher morbidity and mortality. COVID-19 infection, aggressive management strategies and comorbidities like diabetes render patients prone to opportunistic fungal infections. Mucormycosis is one of the opportunistic fungal infections that may affect treated COVID patients. CASE SUMMARY: We present a case series of four adult males who were diagnosed with mucormycosis post-COVID-19 recovery. All the patients had diabetes and a history of systemic corticosteroids for treatment of COVID-19. The mean duration between diagnosis of COVID-19 and development of symptoms of mucor was 15.5 ± 14.5 (7-30) d. All patients underwent debridement and were started on antifungal therapy. One patient was referred to a higher center for further management, but the others responded well to treatment and showed signs of improvement at the last follow-up. CONCLUSION: Early diagnosis and management of mucormycosis with appropriate and aggressive antifungals and surgical debridement can improve survival.