Incidence of Mucormycosis in Post-Covid Patients

Background and objectives: The majority of mucormycosis infections are fatal. It is mainly contracted when people come in touch with fungal spores in the environment. Mucormycosis is mainly associated with immunocompromising diseases or conditions. This study aims to ascertain and compare the outcomes of various treatment approaches for cases of mucormycosis. Methods: This cross-sectional research was conducted in the Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) Department of Rizgary Teaching Hospital located in Erbil, Iraq. Data were collected over a one- year period, from January 2022 to August 2023. Participants in this study were individuals who were previously infected with COVID-19 and now presented with confirmed mucormycosis, diagnosed through biopsy of suspected lesions. Patients received treatment with amphotericin B, administered at a daily dose of 1 milligram per kilogram, given over four to six hours. Surgical debridement was performed in patients who gave approval. Clinical characteristics, treatment modality and outcome of these patients were assessed. Results: Twenty-six patients were recruited for this study. The mean age of patients was 53.2±14.3. There were more males (57.7%) than females (42.3%). Around 85% of the patients were diabetic. In our study population, the overall mortality rate stood at 23%. The majority of the of them (80%) were among those who received Amphotericin B only. There was a significant association between treatment strategy and mortality (p<0.05). Conclusions: In this study; rhino-orbital-cerebral cavities were the most typically involved, and diabetes was the primary underlying illness. There was a significant association between treatment modality and mortality rate in this study.