IJFANS International Journal of Food and Nutritional Sciences

ISSN PRINT 2319 1775 Online 2320-7876

MUCORMYCOSIS (BLACK FUNGUS): A SERIOUS THREAT DURING COVID-19

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Devi Sarika, Raj Arpit, Kumar Praveen, Singh Pooja

Abstract

COVID19 patients generally suffer from reduced levels of lymphocytes, especially helper T lymphocytes and cytotoxic T lymphocytes. These cells play a vital role in the body's inflammation-mediated immune response, and their reduced levels make COVID19 patients extremely susceptible to secondary bacterial and fungal infections. In addition, doctors will give patients immunosuppressive steroids COVID19, which will further weaken their immunity. However, steroids reduced the phagocytic activity of neutrophils and macrophages in COVID19 patients. Also, steroids can cause a sudden spike in blood sugar levels in diabetic patients, which is another major risk factor for mucormycosis. In addition, an ironrich environment is conducive to this fungal infection. Elevated levels of cytokines, such as interleukin, will increase ferritin levels in COVID19 patients, making them more susceptible to mucormycosis. In addition, oxygen cylinders and unsanitary fans may be the cause of this fungus outbreak. During the second wave of the epidemic, some hospitals shared ventilators. Some oxygen cylinders in use are contaminated, and this unsanitary condition may cause a sudden increase in mucormycosis cases. Indian doctors have previously warned about the use of cow dung and urine to enhance immunity against covid19. This is because animal droppings can contain different fungi. Therefore, diabetic patients with covid19 and those who have been treated with immunosuppressive corticosteroids are the most susceptible to mucormycosis

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