Abstract

As the SARS-CoV virus impairs cell-mediated immunity by decreasing the CD4+ and CD8+ cell counts, an increased susceptibility to fungal infections is noted in these patients. In view of high risk of development of complications and higher mortality rates, it is imperative to supplement clinical diagnosis with investigative modalities. Patients diagnosed with mucormycosis based on clinical and radiological findings, at Basaveshvara Medical College Hospital Chitradurga were the study subjects. A total of 99 patients (86.08%) required hospitalization and mean length of hospital stay was 10.3 days. A total of 31 patients (26.9%) required ICU stay with mean duration of ICU care being 7.5 days. The Mean CT severity score was 12.2. A total of 115 patients (100%) were administered systemic corticosteroids. 67.8% (n=78) of cases received supplemental oxygen therapy and 11.3% (n=13) of patients required invasive ventilation. Around 71.3% (n=82) of the patients had prior history of diabetes mellitus as compared to 13.9% (n=16) of cases who were newly diagnosed cases of diabetes. Rhino-orbital mucormycosis was the most common manifestation observed. Mortality was noted in 21.7% (n=25) of the patients while 2.6% (n=3) patients were lost to follow up.

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