Mask induced mucormycosis: An unexplored possibility?

Mucormycosis is a rare angioinvasive fungal infection attributed to filamentous fungi called mucormycetes [1]. According to reports published during the period between December 2019 and early April 2021. Approximately 71% of the cases of mucormycosis in COVID infected individuals across the globe have been reported from India [2]. A sudden surge in cases of mucormycosis during the ongoing covid-19 pandemic has been witnessed recently and several factors have been proposed to explain this unexpected outbreak. Studies suggest that severe COVID-19 patients become immunocompromised and therefore are more susceptible to fungal infection [3]. Diabetes Milletus has been recognized as one of the important risk factors for mucormycosis [4]. A recent study identified the associated risk factors, clinical features, and outcomes of COVID-19-associated mucormycosis [2]. The over-zealous use of steroids in treatment of covid-19 patients has also been identified as one of the potential reasons for a rise in cases of mucormycosis during the ongoing pandemic. Hence the triad of immunocompromised host, diabetes mellitus and steroids has been established as the main reason behind the sudden rise in cases of Mucormycosis. Recently other factors such as the rise in serum ferritin levels, long term stays in the intensive care units, increased intake of zinc and antibiotics have also been documented [5-7].