India has so far reported approximately cases of 8,848 mucormycosis or black fungus, one of the rapidly spreading infections observed in those recovering from Covid-19 while 219 patients have died of the disease. Taking note of the increasing numbers, the Central government has emphasised upon expediting the allocation of vials of Amphotericin-B, a key drug to treat raging mucormycosis.
In this direction, the Union minister of chemicals and fertilisers DV Sadananda Gowda has announced an allocation of 23,680 additional vials of Amphotericin-B. The minister also said that the allocation has been made based on total number of patients, which is approximately 8,848 across the country.
Gujarat (5,800) and Maharashtra (5,090) have been allocated the maximum number of the additional Amphotericin-B vials followed by Andhra Pradesh (2,310), Madhya Pradesh (1,830), Rajasthan (1,780), Karnataka (1,270).
Gujarat has reported maximum of 2,281 mucormycosis cases followed by Maharashtra (2,000), Andhra Pradesh (910), Madhya Pradesh (720) Rajasthan (700), Karnataka (5,00), Haryana (250), Delhi (197), Punjab (95), Chhattisgarh (87), Bihar (56), Tamil Nadu (40), Kerala (36), Jharkhand (27), Odisha (15), Goa (12) and Chandigarh (8).
Mucormycosis is a serious but rare fungal infection caused by a group of molds called mucormycetes that has been developing in Covid-19 patients. The fungal disease is commonly being observed in patients who were given steroids for a long time, who have been hospitalised for a long time, were on oxygen support or ventilator, faced poor hospital hygiene or those who have been taking medication for other illnesses such as diabetes.
If not treated on time, the black fungus infection can turn fatal. The Covid medications can leave the body weak and low on immunity. They can also escalate the blood sugar levels in both diabetics and non-diabetic Covid-19 patients.
“As on Sunday evening, Civil Hospital in Ahmedabad has 545 patients of Covid-19 and 412 patients of mucormycosis. It’s an inverse relationship – while the Covid cases are constantly decreasing, several of the patients of mucormycosis who have got surgery done at other hospitals are getting admitted in hope of getting medicines,” said an official.
Uncontrolled diabetes is major cause
Uncontrolled diabetes is emerging as a major factor in acquiring black fungus infection. An online event, hosted by Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences with 52 experts discussing the issue said: "Uncontrolled diabetes is the most common risk factor for acquiring this infection. These fungal spores are present in the air, soil and on decomposed debris and gain entry into sinuses and lungs by breathing contaminated air. Covid-19 patients with uncontrolled diabetes, undergoing treatment with steroids, are at heightened risk of the infection." The infection can be successfully managed and treated with a multi-disciplinary approach and the role of microbiologist, ENT specialist, ophthalmologist and diabetologist is crucial to achieve successful results, they said.
