PMC9339637_01
Some of the major observable factors in COVID-19-associated mucormycosis. (A) Mean age of patients is ~54 years. (B) Most of the cases were reported from India (>48%). (C) Majority of the patients were diabetic (~70%). (D) Rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis (ROCM) predominated in occurrence (~85%). (E) Men (~75% of total patients) were infected more than women. (F) Approximately 65% of patients underwent steroid therapy. (G) More than 41% of mucormycosis infections resulted in patient death.
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The mean age of patients with CAM is ~54 years ( Figure 1A ), suggesting middle age as a risk factor. Among several comorbidities such as diabetes, cancer, hypertension, renal disease, and transplants, diabetic patients were presented with most of the infections ( Figure 1C ). The most prevalent type of infection is ROCM in COVID-19 patients ( Figure 1D ). Men seem (75% of cases) to be more prone to mucormycosis compared to women with COVID-19 ( Figure 1E ). The percentage of mucormycosis infections where patients were treated with steroids was higher ( Figure 1F ). Mucormycosis infections dominated the occurrence of infections in our analysis ( Figure 1F ). CAM is highly lethal, and about 41% of deaths were reported from the CAM ( Figure 1G ). COVID-19 infections. Combined together, the presentation of cases in India is much higher compared to those in other countries ( Figure 1B ).  Figure 2  denotes some of the major contributing factors that contribute to establishing mucormycosis in COVID-19 patients.
Major risk factors in CAM. Fungal infections typically occur due to a compromised immune status. Several factors such as diabetes, iron metabolism, COVID-19 treatments, steroid therapy, organ transplants, and certain cancers represent the major risk factors for mucormycosis. Apart from these, fungal spore burden, prevalence of diabetes, zinc supplements, and hospital environment might also contribute to mucormycosis cases post-COVID-19. COVID-19, Coronavirus disease 2019; GRP-78, glucose-regulated protein 78; CAM, COVID-19 associated mucormycosis; GIDM, Glucocorticoid-Induced Diabetes Mellitus; ICU, Intensive Care Unit.
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COVID-19 infections. Combined together, the presentation of cases in India is much higher compared to those in other countries ( Figure 1B ).  Figure 2  denotes some of the major contributing factors that contribute to establishing mucormycosis in COVID-19 patients.