BLACK AND WHITE FUNGUS Suhaib Ashraf Bhat
Black Fungus: COVID-associated mucormycosis, commonly but erroneously, referred to as black fungus, is the association of mucormycosis (an aggressive fungal infection) with COVID-19. It been reported around the nose, eyes and brain – a clinical manifestation sometimes referred to as ‘rhino-orbital-cerebral (ROC) mucormycosis’. Reports of COVID-associated mucormycosis have generally been rare. A review of the medical literature traced eight cases reported around the world by 9 January 2021. In these reports, the most common risk factor for mucormycosis was diabetes.COVID-associated mucormycosis has especially affected people in India. The association also appeared in Russia. One explanation for why the association has surfaced remarkably in India is high rates of COVID infection and high rates of diabetes. In May 2021, the Indian Council of Medical Research issued guidelines for recognising and treating COVID-associated mucormycosis. Due to its rapidly growing number of cases, the Government of Rajasthan declared it an epidemic on 19 May 2021. Along with the Rajasthan government, the governments of Haryana, Tamil Nadu, Telangana and Gujarat have also now declared this an epidemic.
White Fungus: White fungus is four times more dangerous than black fungus. It damages many parts of the body and spreads in the lungs. It also shows severe effects on the kidney, mouth, skin, and brain. Young children are also being affected by white fungus.
Amid the increasing Covid cases, India is struggling with another epidemic called Black Fungus infection. Many cases are being detected of this rare fungal infection in Covid patients and people who are diabetic, have kidney or heart problems, or are on high steroids. Just when the government was dealing with the black fungus epidemic, another fungal infection- White Fungus has started to spread its wings. The infected patients also include a famous specialist from Patna. In such a situation, questions are being raised about how is white fungus different from black fungus infection? How to protect yourself from this infection? Difference in symptoms of White and Black fungus:
White Fungus Symptoms: CoughFeverDiarrheaDark spots on lungs, reduced oxygen level
Black Fungus Symptoms:Facial DeformityHeadacheFacial painNasal congestionLoss of vision or pain in eyesAltered mental state, confusionSwelling in cheeks and eyesToothache, loosening of teethBlack crusts in the nose’
Who is more at risk of White Fungus infection?Both White and Black fungus prey on people with low immunity. Along with this, people suffering from diabetes, cancer, critical illness or a patient admitted in ICU are more prone to black fungus. At the same time, the white fungus attacks people with co-morbidities. People with cancer, excess blood sugar are more prone to white fungus. How white fungus spreads in the body?According to AIIMS professor Dr. Kaushal Verma, the white fungus begins from the tongue or private parts due to which, it makes the tongue white. It then spreads to other organs along with lungs, brains, food pipes.
According to Dr. Pankaj Aggarwal, the first one has to avoid getting Covid infection. Therefore it is important to strengthen the immunity. Do not overuse steroids during covid treatment. Steroids should be given only when the oxygen levels go down and pneumonia occurs. When the condition is stable, reduce the number of steroids, so that there is no problem of blood sugar fluctuation. White and black fungus infections can be avoided in these ways.
DOCTORS in India have warned that white fungus could infect Covid patient’s lungs and it could be as deadly as the black mould outbreak.It comes after medics in India said that black fungus had been rotting organs and limbs of some patients.Mucormycosis is caused by a group of moulds called mucormycetes which live in the environment in rotting vegetables and fruit, bread, soils and plantsOne expert warned that the white fungus could even appear in patients who have already recovered from the coronavirus.Dr S N Singh, who is head of microbiology at Patna Medical College in Bihar, India, said like the black fungus, white fungus was also likely to be seen in diabetic patients.The black fungal infection is called mucormycosis and is caused by a group of moulds called mucormycetes which live in the environment in rotting vegetables and fruit, bread, soils and plants. Dr Singh explained that the white fungus could be just as deadly if it finds a passage to the lungs in immuno-compromised people.Dr Singh did however say that the presence of Candida had been found in the lungs of patients.Candida is a fungal infection caused by yeast and normally lives on the skin or inside the body in places such as the mouth, throat, gut, and vagina, without causing any problems.But for some people it can cause itchiness or irritation.Candida is a fungal infection caused by yeast and normally lives on the skin or inside the body in places such as the mouth, throat, gut, and vagina, without causing any problems.
But for some people it can cause itchiness or irritation.
According to experts, hot and humid conditions, as well being on oxygen support for a long time, are all causes of both black and white fungal infections.Indian has been bombarded with corona virus cases in the last month and many hospitals have had to pack patients in, treating them in cramped conditions with many receiving oxygen.Mucormycosis mainly affects people who have health problems or take medicines that lower the body’s ability to fight germs and sickness. Suhaibbhatt85@gmail.com
