Serious health threat of mucormycosis during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic: what dermatologists need to know in this regard

Int J Dermatol. 2022 Aug;61(8):979-981. doi: 10.1111/ijd.16101. Epub 2022 Jan 30.

Abstract

Background: Recently, a surge of mucormycosis in patients affected with or recovered from SARS-Cov-2 has been noted, especially in developing countries such as India, Pakistan, and Iran.

Aim: To focus on existing data about the important aspects of COVID-associated mucormycosis.

Methods: We searched on PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus in this regard, and all of the relevant papers published until August 28, 2021, for which we could access their full-texts, were included.

Results: We found some recommendations made by ophthalmologists, anesthesiologists, and ENT surgeons and tried to summarize them to provide a practical guide for dermatologists.

Conclusion: Careful examination and clinical suspicion are the key factors for correct diagnosis especially in patients affected by or recently recovered from COVID. Implementing some preventive measures such as using a titrated dose of corticosteroids and encouraging patients to get vaccinated should be considered to tackling this serious issue.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19* / complications
  • COVID-19* / prevention & control
  • Dermatologists
  • Humans
  • Mucormycosis* / diagnosis
  • Mucormycosis* / epidemiology
  • Mucormycosis* / etiology
  • Pandemics / prevention & control
  • SARS-CoV-2