Black Fungus Infection Symptoms: Understanding the Risk

Mucormycosis, commonly known as black fungus, is a serious fungal infection that can prove deadly. It is spawned from a type of mould called mucormycetes. Most patients suffering from this infection are the ones who have weak immune systems, like diabetes patients, cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, or any other severely immunocompromised patient. Though this infection is not as common, an increasing amount of black fungus infections in India, notably during the COVID-19 pandemic, have raised a lot of eyebrows. Seeking medical help on time can save patients from enduring severe tissue damage, becoming blind, or even dying from it.

What is Black Fungus (Mucormycosis)?

Black fungus is caused by the Mucorales group of moulds, which are easily found in the soil, decaying plants, and any organic material. These spores can enter the human body through several pathways, like inhalation, ingestion, or even a broken skin. In general, mucormycosis is not an easily spreadable infection, but to a severely immunocompromised person, it can cause severe harm. The infection has the potential to progress rapidly and spread to different organs such as skin, lungs, sinuses, and even the brain as well as the eyes.

Symptoms of Black Fungus Infection

The signs of black fungus infection may differ based on the parts of the body that are affected. Some specific forms of mucormycosis are sinus and nasal mucormycosis, pulmonary mucormycosis, cutaneous mucormycosis, and ocular mucormycosis. Some of the main symptoms regarding each infection are listed below:

Sinus and Nasal Mucormycosis

This is one of the most usual forms of black fungus infection. It generally begins from the paranasal sinuses and can move to the ocular and cerebral regions.

• Facial swelling and pain: Symptoms that stand out as early indicators include swelling around the eyes and cheeks. Tenderness is also common, particularly in the facial and sinus regions.
• Nasal congestion and black discharge: Sinus Mucormycosis may cause stasis of the nose, along with black or brown blood discharge, which is also referred to as “dark snot.” This is a hallmark sign of the condition.
• Fever: In the initial period of this condition, one may experience high fever.
• Loss of vision: As the condition progresses to the eyes, individuals may suffer from vision blurring, pain in the eyes, or fully losing sight from one or both eyes.
• Headache: Constant headaches, mainly involving sinus, are also signs of this infection.

Pulmonary Mucormycosis

Mucormycosis is a fungal infection that occurs in lung tissues and is mostly seen in people with diabetes, cancer, or other disorders that compromise the immune system.

• Cough: There’s a dry cough that is either constant or one that worsens with action, and in some cases, is accompanied by blood.
• Difficulty breathing: As the infection worsens, patients may experience breathlessness or quickened breathing.
• Chest pain: Along with the infection’s spread, the person may suffer from general chest ailments, including pain while breathing, which may be sharp in nature.
• Fever and fatigue: Some forms of mucormycosis can also lead to severe tiredness and heat in the body, along with a general uneasiness.

Cutaneous Mucormycosis

Cutaneous mucormycosis is usually due to direct contact with a person carrying the infection or some skin malignancy. Therefore, people with ongoing cuts, burns, or deteriorated skin are at higher risk.

• Redness and swelling: Some areas may have visible swelling or lesions like inflammation. Skin lesions may become necrotic (dead tissue), often turning black.
• Ulcers or blisters: Loose skin eruptions that are filled with fluid or sores that go deep onto the surface may emerge at the skin’s surface.
• Pain: Ranging from discomfort to substantial aching, the person may suffer from pain as the disease goes deeper.
• Fever: Another common sign of mucormycosis infection is fever.

Ocular Mucormycosis

Mucormycosis that affects the eye is also called ocular mucormycosis, and this may lead to loss of vision if not treated.

• Pain and redness in the eyes: Painful, red eyes may be a sign of ocular mucormycosis. There may also be swelling in the eyelids.
• Vision changes: Blurred vision or partial vision loss is common in ocular mucormycosis.
• Protrusion of the eye: In some cases, the eye may bulge out due to the spread of the infection behind the eye.
• Discharge: A black, foul-smelling discharge may drain from the eye.
• Loss of vision: If the infection reaches the optic nerve, it can result in complete blindness in the affected eye.

Brain Mucormycosis

If the black fungus spreads to the brain, it can lead to cerebral mucormycosis, a life-threatening condition.

• Confusion and altered mental state: One of the most dangerous symptoms is a sudden change in mental status. This may include confusion, delirium, or loss of consciousness.
• Severe headache: A persistent and severe headache is a common symptom of brain mucormycosis.
• Fever: High fever can occur as the infection spreads to the brain.
• Seizures: In advanced cases, the infection may cause seizures.
• Neurological deficits: Individuals may experience weakness, loss of coordination, or partial paralysis.

Risk Factors for Black Fungus Infection

Certain factors increase the likelihood of contracting black fungus. These risk factors include:

• Diabetes: Uncontrolled diabetes, particularly in people with high blood sugar levels, creates an ideal environment for fungal growth.
• Weakened immune system: Individuals undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplants, or those with conditions like HIV/AIDS are more susceptible to fungal infections.
• Corticosteroid use: Long-term use of corticosteroids, often used to treat autoimmune diseases, can suppress the immune system and make the body more vulnerable to infections.
• COVID-19: Patients who have had COVID-19, especially those requiring oxygen therapy or prolonged ICU stays, are at a higher risk of developing black fungus infections.
• Previous trauma or surgery: People who have had recent surgery, burns, or any type of trauma involving skin or tissues are more susceptible to cutaneous mucormycosis.

Treatment of Black Fungus

Treatment for black fungus infection generally involves a combination of antifungal medications and, in some cases, surgery. The primary treatments include:

• Antifungal therapy: Medications such as amphotericin B, posaconazole, or isavuconazole are commonly used to treat mucormycosis. These drugs help stop the growth of the fungus and may be administered intravenously or orally.
• Surgery: In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to remove necrotic (dead) tissue and prevent the infection from spreading. This may include removal of infected sinuses, eyes, or parts of the skin.
• Management of underlying conditions: It is essential to control underlying health conditions, such as diabetes, to reduce the risk of fungal infections. This may involve adjusting medications and maintaining proper blood sugar levels.

Conclusion

Infection of the black fungus can lead to complications such as tissue death, blindness, and even death. In order to recognise and treat mucormycosis on time, it is essential to learn about the symptoms. If you or anyone in your vicinity has a black fungus infection, consult a doctor immediately. The sooner recovery is sought, especially in the case of this type of infection, the better the results will be. Antifungal medication along with surgery are other forms of treatment that can assist in recovery as well.