During the second wave of Corona in the country, the increasing cases of black fungus (mucor mycosis) had created concern. Many people had to struggle with this deadly disease, in some even had to undergo surgery on their eyes and jaws. Now doctors of AIIMS Delhi have found out the reason for the increase in black fungus through a study.
According to the study, cases of black fungus had increased due to changes in mycobiome. Mycobiome is the community of microorganisms such as fungi already present in the body or any organ. Animesh Ray, the senior doctor of the Department of Medicine of AIIMS, said that in the people who got black fungus after Corona, there was such a change in the mycobiome that certain types of fungus started growing more rapidly in these patients.
Earlier it was believed that excessive steroid medicines, oxygen therapy, and walking without a mask were the main causes of this disease. However, doctors' study revealed that some types of fungus were already present in large quantities in the upper respiratory tract and nasal mucosa of patients suffering from black fungus.
Patients were divided into three groups for research
In their study, AIIMS doctors divided the patients into three groups. In the first group, there were patients suffering from black fungus after corona. The second group included serious Corona patients and the third included healthy patients. The doctors did the first study at the time of admission of the patients. The second study was conducted seven days later until they were given drugs like steroids. Doctors found that even before starting steroids, there had been significant changes in the mycobiome of black fungus patients.
Study findings
This study shows that changes in mycobiome can increase the risk of black fungus. This change can happen after a coronavirus infection. Doctors say that this study will help in identifying patients at risk of black fungus and giving them better treatment.
(PC: Freepik)
