Emerging Threat: A Review on Mucormycosis as a Serious Health Challenge during the Pandemic

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many critically ill patients undergoing intensive care or ventilation developed a fungal infection known as Mucormycosis. This infection is primarily caused by ubiquitous fungi in the environment, such as species like Rhizopus arrhizus, Lichtheimia, Mucor, and Rhizomucor, among others. Symptoms range from mild, such as fever and nasal congestion, to more severe manifestations, like gastrointestinal bleeding and dark lesions in moist body areas such as the nose and eyes. Mucormycosis can be fatal if not promptly treated with appropriate combination therapy, and in severe cases, surgical removal of infected tissue may be necessary. This review explores the historical background, epidemiology, and treatment strategies for Mucormycosis. It also discusses its prevalence among COVID-19 patients, underlying causes, and management protocols.