Rhino-orbital Aspergillosis\' a rising concern during COVID-19 pandemic: A clinical study from Kolar district, South India

To describe and determine the proportion of Orbital Aspergillosis in suspected cases of Rhino-orbital infections and compare its severity and progression to Mucormycosis. This observational study was conducted over five months (April 2021-September 2021)in a notified nodal tertiary care center of a district for Black Fungus during the COVID-19 pandemic. Seventy-seven patients admitted to our hospital with a suspected diagnosis of fungal Rhino-orbital infections were included in this study. Socio-demographic history, clinical spectrum, laboratory and radiological evaluation, and outcomes of patients are compared. Data were presented using descriptive and inferential statistics. Out of 77 patients with a mean age of 50.48±12.39 years admitted with rhino orbital infections, Aspergillosis was seen in 17(22.07%), Mucor infection was in 22(28.57%), Rhizopus infection in 12(15.5%), Candida infection in 14(18.1%) and Bacterial infection was in 12(15.76%). Males were more commonly affected. Patients initially presented with facial pain and periorbital swelling, rapidly progressing to proptosis, ptosis, restriction of extraocular movements, and finally, leading to no perception of light. We conclude that post-COVID-19 Orbital Aspergillosis is no more a rare entity and should be suspected in patients, especially if the patient is male and involved in agricultural work. This disease must be diagnosed early and treated promptly to avoid life-threatening complications.