What is Black Fungus (Mucormycosis)?

Black Fungus, also known as Mucormycosis, is a rare but dangerous infection. It's caused by a group of molds called mucormycetes and often affects the sinuses, lungs, skin, and brain.You can inhale the mold spores or come into contact with them in things like soil, rotting produce or bread, or compost piles.

It is generally spread by breathing in, eating food contaminated by, or getting spores of molds of the Mucorales type in an open wound. These fungi are frequently present in the air, in decomposing organic matter such as rotting fruit and vegetables, leaves, and animal manure, but do not usually affect people. It is not transmitted between people. Risk factors include diabetes (particularly DKA), cancer, organ transplant, iron overload, long-term steroids or immunosuppressant use, and to a lesser extent in HIV/AIDS.

Is black fungus contagious?

The disease is not contagious, which means that it cannot spread from contact between humans or animals. But it does spread from fungal spores that are present in the air or in the environment, which are almost impossible to avoid.

Why black fungus appeared during COVID-19?

COVID-19 has been associated with a wide range of secondary bacterial and fungal infections, but experts say India's second wave of COVID-19 has created a perfect environment for black fungus (mucormycosis).

Low oxygen, diabetes, high iron levels, immuno-suppression, coupled with several other factors including prolonged hospitalization with mechanical ventilators, creates an ideal milieu for contracting mucormycosis, researchers wrote in the journal Diabetes & Metabolic Syndrome: Clinical Research & Reviews.

Symptoms of black fungus

The symptoms of mucormycosis depend on where in the body the fungus is growing. 1,4 Contact your healthcare provider if you have symptoms that you think are related to mucormycosis.

Symptoms of rhinocerebral (sinus and brain) mucormycosis include:

One-sided facial swelling

Headache

Nasal or sinus congestion

Black lesions on nasal bridge or upper inside of mouth that quickly become more severe

Fever

Symptoms of pulmonary (lung) mucormycosis include:

Fever

Cough

Chest pain

Shortness of breath

Cutaneous (skin) mucormycosis can look like blisters or ulcers, and the infected area may turn black. Other symptoms include pain, warmth, excessive redness, or swelling around a wound.

Symptoms of gastrointestinal mucormycosis include:

Abdominal pain

Nausea and vomiting

Gastrointestinal bleeding

Disseminated mucormycosis typically occurs in people who are already sick from other medical conditions, so it can be difficult to know which symptoms are related to mucormycosis. Patients with disseminated infection in the brain can develop mental status changes or coma.