Fungal Infections of Paranasal Sinuses: Sequelae to 2020 Pandemic

Abstract

Background: In recent decades, the prevalence of fungal sinus infection has increased. It’s plausible that this is related to
increased awareness, antibiotic usage, and the use of immunosuppressive drugs. Furthermore, much has been written on
the involvement of fungus as a causative organism.
Objectives: To identify fungal pathogens and correlate laboratory findings with clinical findings.
Materials and Methods: Patients with AIFR following recent COVID-19 infection were included. After performing
potassium hydroxide (KOH) wet mounts, post-operative material was collected and cultured on two tubes of Sabouraud
dextrose agar (SDA) and stored at 250 C and 370C for isolation and identification.
Results: Out of 329 diabetic individuals with AIFS following COVID-19 infection, 51% exhibited mucopurulent discharge
and 75.6 % had unilateral involvement. Only 57.4% of KOH mount samples were positive for fungal components, however
76.3% of SDA samples exhibited positive growth, with 62 % Mucorales, 8% Aspergillus, and 6 % Candida species.
Conclusion: Mucor mycosis can develop in COVID-19 patients, particularly those with diabetes, a high and imprudent
use of corticosteroids, and invasive ventilation. KOH test resulted in a preliminary diagnosis, whereas Culture remains
the gold standard for identification.