Clinico-epidemiological profile of Mucormycosis patients admitted in VIMS hospital, Ballari: Case series

Abstract

Background: Mucormycosis is caused by the fungi belonging to the order Mucorales. Humans acquire the infection
predominantly by inhalation of sporangiospores, occasionally by ingestion of contaminated food or traumatic
inoculation. In the backdrop of COVID-19 expression, there has been notable increase in the incidence of invasive
fungal infection (IFI), namely Mucormycosis and aspergillosis. In the present study we aim to know the Clinicoepidemiological
profile of Mucormycosis patients admitted in Vijayanagar institute of medical sciences (VIMS),
Ballari, Karnataka.
Methodology: A descriptive study was carried out at VIMS Hospital, Ballari, Karnataka after obtaining ethical
clearance. The data was collected using structured questionnaires through interview and case records on risk
factors, clinical profile and management of patients who were suspected of Mucormycosis. Frequencies and
Proportion were used to describe the variables. Study period was from April 2021-June 2021.
Results: Out of 52 patients, 45(86.5%) were male and 7(13.5%) were female. Age group between 41-50 years
(40.4%) were most commonly affected followed by 31-40 years (28.8%) and 50% were positive for COVID 19,
26.9% were post COVID and 23.1% were NON COVID. Twenty two patients were on steroids, 21 (95.5%) of
them due to COVID 19 and 1(4.5%) due to asthma. Comorbid conditions like diabetes mellitus 38(73.1%) and
hypertension 12(23.1%) were most commonly present. 12(31.6%) out of 38 patients had uncontrolled diabetes
mellitus. Mucormycosis was confirmed by KOH and histopathological results and were positive in 21(43.7%) and
27(77.1%) patients respectively. Management of Mucormycosis included both medical and surgical intervention.
Conclusion: Mucormycosis is a life threatening fungal infection. The present study emphasizes the need for
further understanding of the disease and to take aggressive measures for early diagnosis and management.