Mucormycosis: COVID-19 Necrosis Complication
The question asks to identify an opportunistic systemic mycosis known for causing rapid, severe tissue necrosis and emerging as a specific complication of COVID-19 in India.
Identifying the Correct Mycosis
- Mucormycosis, often referred to as the "black fungus," is a serious fungal infection caused by a group of molds called mucormycetes.
- It is characterized by the rapid spread and severe tissue necrosis (death), particularly affecting the sinuses, brain, and lungs.
- Notably, mucormycosis saw a significant increase as a secondary infection in patients recovering from severe COVID-19, especially in India. Factors like immune suppression due to the virus and steroid treatments used for COVID-19 are believed to contribute.
- This specific association with severe COVID-19 and rapid necrosis matches the description in the question.
Evaluating Other Options
- Histoplasmosis: While an opportunistic mycosis, it typically presents with lung symptoms and is not primarily defined by rapid, severe tissue necrosis as a common COVID-19 complication in India.
- Coccidioidomycosis: This fungal infection is geographically limited and does not match the described clinical picture or specific COVID-19 association in India.
- Sporotrichosis: Generally affects the skin and lymphatics, or lungs, but is not known for causing the widespread, rapid systemic tissue necrosis described in the context of COVID-19 in India.
Therefore, Mucormycosis is the correct answer due to its characteristic rapid necrosis and its documented emergence as a specific complication linked to COVID-19 infections in India.
Important Questions from Fungal Infections
- Which of the following fungal infections is caused by dermal inoculation of the fungal agent, usually from a thorn?
Consider the following statements with regard to coccidioidomycosis:
1. It is a primary systemic mycosis caused by dimorphic fungi Cocci- dioides immitis and Coccidioides posadasii.
2. Primary pulmonary coccidioido- mycosis presents with cough, fever, chest pain and arthritis.
3. Progressive pulmonary coccidioido- mycosis presents with constitu- tional symptoms like fever, weight loss, anorexia and features of lobar pneumonia.
4. Coccidioides meningitis is a mild disease, not warranting any treatment.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- A patient receiving chemotherapy develops neutropenia. He presents with fever, cough, expectoration, chest pain and hemoptysis. His CT scan of chest reveals nodular infiltrates with halo sign and crescent sign. The most useful drug for treating him is
- Consider the following statements with regard to Amphotericin B :
1. It is a narrow spectrum antifungal agent.
2. It can cause nephrotoxicity.
3. It lacks an oral preparation.
4. Its lipid formulations are less toxic.
Select the correct answer using the code given below: - Which one of the following moulds causes mucormycosis, commonly known as 'black fungus'?
