What is Black Fungus?
Mucormycosis, commonly known as black fungus, is a rare fungal infection caused by a group of fungi referred to as ‘mucormycetes’. These fungi are found in the environment, particularly in compost, animal dung, soil, leaves and decaying organic matter. Infections occur when these fungi enter the body through different means like inhalation or open wounds in the skin. Once inside the body, these fungi have the potential to affect organs, including the brain, lungs, sinuses and skin. The severity and type of black fungus disease depend on the site of entry and the overall health of the patient.
Types of Mucormycosis (Black Fungus Disease)
Black fungus disease or mucormycosis can be classified into different types such as:
Pulmonary Mucormycosis (Lung)
This type of black fungus is prevalent amongst cancer patients and those who have undergone organ or stem cell transplants.
Rhinocerebral Mucormycosis (Sinus and Brain)
Commonly diagnosed in individuals with uncontrolled diabetes and those who have undergone kidney transplants, this type of black fungus begins in the sinuses and can also spread to the brain.
Cutaneous Mucormycosis (black fungus on skin)
Common amongst people with weakened immune systems, it is a type of skin infection that occurs when fungi enter the body through damaged skin (due to severe burns or any type of skin injury).
Gastrointestinal Mucormycosis
This type of black fungus is common amongst children with low birth weight and premature infants, who have undergone a surgery or are on medications that lower the body’s agility to combat an illness.
Disseminated Mucormycosis
This type of infection commonly affects the brain. However, when the infection spreads through the bloodstream, it can affect other body parts and organs such as the skin, spleen and heart.
Black Fungus Symptoms
The symptoms of black fungus manifest depending on where it grows.
1. The following black fungus symptoms can potentially indicate an upper or lower respiratory illness:
2. Mucormycosis can appear on the body as a skin infection. Symptoms of black fungus affecting the skin include:
Fever
Ulcers
Blisters
Redness
Oedema
Blackened boils
Painful lesions
3. The symptoms of black fungus in eyes can be as follows:
Blurred vision
Double vision
Blood clots
Headaches
Teariness
4. Black fungus can also affect the digestive system. Its symptoms may include:
Black Fungus Causes
Mucormycosis or black fungus is a rare but serious fungal infection. Inhaling airborne mould spores or coming in contact with the fungus through soil, compost piles or rotting produce can cause mucormycosis.
Note: Mucormycosis is not contagious.
Risk Factors of Black Fungus (Mucormycosis)
Immunocompromised individuals are at a greater risk of contracting this rare infection. Loss of immunity can happen due to:
Diabetes
HIV/AIDS
Cancer
Stem cell transplant
Organ transplant
Neutropenia (low white blood cell count)
High iron levels in the body (hemochromatosis)
Long-term steroid use
Poor nutrition
Metabolic acidosis (unhealthy levels of acid in the body)
Premature birth or low birth weight
Point to remember: Mucormycosis is also more likely to happen in case of a skin injury such as a wound, cut or burn. In addition to this, mucormycosis cases have also been reported in individuals with COVID-19.
Black Fungus Treatment (Mucormycosis)
Black fungus treatment often includes:
Antifungal medicines (Isavuconazole, Posaconazole, and Liposomal Amphotericin B) can stop the fungal growth and help control the spread of the infection.
In severe cases, a doctor may recommend surgery to remove dead or infected tissue to stop the fungus from spreading further.
Prevention of Black Fungus (Mucormycosis)
It is not possible to prevent breathing fungal spores because they are dispersed in the environment. However, individuals with a weakened immune system must follow these steps to reduce the risk:
Maintain personal hygiene.
Avoid visiting dusty areas or wear an N95 mask when visiting construction sites.
Ensure regular health check-ups after recovering from COVID-19.
Wear protective clothing such as shoes, long sleeve shirts, long trousers and gloves while handling soil (gardening), manure or moss.
Individuals with skin injury must practise proper aseptic wound care to prevent fungal contamination.
In cases of hemochromatosis or iron overload, managing iron levels through medical guidance is essential to prevent complications.
Uncontrolled diabetes is a significant risk factor for mucormycosis. Therefore, maintaining normal blood sugar levels is crucial. Also, adherence to a diabetes management plan and regular monitoring is essential.
Maintaining a healthy immune system is crucial for preventing black fungus. Adequate sleep, regular exercise, balanced diet and immunisation against certain diseases is vital for enhanced immune system support.
FAQs
1. Is black fungus communicable?
Although black fungus is a non-contagious disease, it can be potentially lethal if left untreated or not treated on time.
2. Can black fungus be cured?
Yes, black fungus can be cured. The treatment usually includes antifungal medications that can stop the fungal growth and control the infection until it is completely treated.
3. What happens if I leave black fungus untreated?
Mucormycosis or black fungus is caused by exposure to mucor mould. It affects the skin, lungs and sinuses and can be life-threatening, if left untreated.
4. How long does mucormycosis treatment take?
A successful Amphotericin B course for black fungus typically lasts four to six weeks. If Isavuconazole therapy is recommended, it may be continued for several months given its high tolerability as compared to Amphotericin.
Article By Dr. P Venkata Krishnan
Sr. Consultant - Internal Medicine
Artemis Hospitals
