Lecture Notes on Black Fungus and COVID-19 in India

Introduction

• Presenter: Mike Hanson, Board-Certified Physician
• Topics Covered:
  • What is black fungus?
  • Its association with COVID-19
  • Why it's prevalent in India
  • Diagnosis and treatment
  • Prevention measures

What is Black Fungus?

• Scientific Name: Mucormycosis
• Caused By: Molds known as mucormycetes
• Environment: Found in decaying leaves, compost piles, and rotten wood
• Infection Conditions:
  • Thrive in moist, dead organic matter
  • Release spores into the air
  • More prevalent in summer and fall

How Infection Occurs

• Methods of Entry:
  • Inhalation of spores
  • Spores trapped in airways, mouth, nose, and sinuses
  • Through cuts or scrapes on the skin
• Risk Factors:
  • Weak immune system
  • Certain genetic conditions affecting cilia

Types of Mucormycosis Infections

• Rhino-Cerebral: Affects sinuses and can spread to the brain and eyes
• Lung Mucormycosis: Common in those with weakened immune systems post-cancer treatment or organ transplant
• Skin Mucormycosis: Enters through skin cuts and common in healthy immune systems
• Disseminated Mucormycosis: Spreads through the bloodstream, affecting organs

Why Associated with COVID-19?

• Steroid Use: Steroids like dexamethasone weaken the immune system
• Blood Sugar Levels:
  • Steroids increase blood sugar
  • Diabetes is common in India
• Outbreaks in Hospitals: Linked to medical devices, poor filtration, etc.

Prevalence in India

• COVID-19 Cases Increase: More cases lead to more steroid use
• Diabetes Rates: High prevalence (15% in urban areas)
• Specific Outbreak Factors:
  • Hospital conditions
  • Use of oxygen face masks and humidifiers

Symptoms of Mucormycosis

• Sinus and Brain Infections: Facial swelling, headache, black sores
• Lung Infection: Fever, cough, chest pain
• Skin Infection: Blisters, ulcers, swelling, redness

Diagnosis

• Testing: Sample of fluid from nose/throat
• Biopsy and Imaging: To detect tissue infection and spread

Treatment

• Medications: IV drug Amphotericin B
• Surgery: Removal of necrotic tissue to prevent spread
• High Mortality Rate: 54% if untreated

Prevention

• Control Blood Sugar
• Use Steroids Only if Necessary
• Clean Masks and CPAP/BiPAP Devices

Conclusion

• Upcoming Video: Discussion on the origin of COVID-19
• Thank You for Watching