Mucormycosis (Zygomycosis)
On this page, you will find everything you are looking for regarding Mucormycosis (Zygomycosis).
What is Black fungus / Mucormycosis?
Black fungus, or mucormycosis, is a serious but rare fungal infection caused by a group of fungi that live throughout the environment.
Mucormycosis primarily affects people with chronic health problems that may weaken the immune system or those taking medications that reduce the body’s ability to fight germs and disease.
It commonly affects the sinuses or lungs after inhaling fungal spores from the air. It can also occur on the skin following a cut, burn, or any other type of skin injury.
What are the symptoms of Black Fungus / Mucormycosis infection?
The symptoms of black fungus depend on where the fungi are growing in the body. Contact a healthcare provider if you have symptoms you think may be related to mucormycosis.
- Symptoms vary depending on the type of infection and may include the following:
- One-sided facial swelling..
- Headache..
- Nasal or sinus congestion.
- Black lesions on the bridge of the nose or the roof of the mouth that quickly worsen..
- Fever and cough.
- Chest pain and shortness of breath.
- Abdominal pain..
- Nausea and vomiting.
Gastrointestinal bleeding.
What are the causes of black fungus/mucormycosis?
Black fungus/mucormycosis occurs due to infection, transmitted through inhalation, inoculation, or ingestion of spores from the environment.
What are the methods of diagnosis?
- The doctor takes the medical history and performs a clinical examination, and may request additional procedures as needed, such as:
- Collecting a sample of fluids from your respiratory system to send to the laboratory.
- Your healthcare provider may perform a tissue biopsy, where a small sample of the affected tissue is analyzed in the lab for evidence of black fungus.
You may also need imaging tests, such as a computed tomography (CT) scan of your lungs, sinuses, or other parts of your body, depending on the suspected location of the infection.
What are the treatment methods for black fungus/mucormycosis?:
- Treatment involves several procedures or as needed, and may include the following:
- These medications are given intravenously or orally.
In many cases, mucormycosis requires surgery to remove the affected tissue.
What are the ways to prevent black fungus/mucormycosis?
- It is difficult to avoid inhaling fungal spores, as the fungi that cause mucormycosis are common in the environment. There is noNvaccine to prevent mucormycosis. For people with weakened immune systems, there may be some ways to reduce the risk of developing mucormycosis:
- Try to avoid dusty areas, such as construction or excavation sites. If you cannot avoid these areas, wear an N95 respirator (a type of face mask) while there.
- Avoid direct contact with buildings damaged by water and floodwaters.
- Avoid activities that involve close contact with soil or dust, such as yard work.
Antifungal medications. If you are at high risk of developing mucormycosis (for example, if you have undergone an organ or stem cell transplant), your healthcare provider may prescribe medication to prevent mucormycosis and other mold infections.
What are the complications of black fungus?
- Some complications associated with the disease include the following:
- Thromboses or blood clots in the vessels around the affected area.
Deep spread of the infection may lead to blindness.
When should you see a doctor?
Contact a healthcare provider immediately if you or a family member experience any of the black fungus symptoms mentioned above.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is black fungus a common disease?
