After black, white and yellow, cases of aspergillosis, a new fungal infection reported
More than 11,000 cases of black fungus have been reported so far. The places worst affected by it are Maharashtra and Gujarat. While Gujarat is seeing a rise in the cases of black fungus, doctors in Vadodara have reported 8 cases of a new fungal infection called aspergillosis.
Just like black fungus, aspergillosis infection is being seen in people who have recently recovered from COVID-19. On Thursday, Vadodara reported 262 new cases of black fungus and eight new cases of aspergillosis. All eight patients have been admitted to the hospital.
Read also: Coronavirus: Is headache a symptom of Mucormycosis (black fungus)?
What is aspergillosis fungal infection?
Pulmonary aspergillosis infection is being observed in people who have compromised immunity. Though sinus pulmonary aspergillosis, which is being observed right now in COVID patients, is rare.
Aspergillosis is not as deadly as the black fungal infection but it too can be fatal, say experts.
Who is at risk?
The rising cases of various fungal infections among COVID-19 patients are being attributed to the use of steroids and compromised immunity.
The non-sterile water used for hydrating the oxygen supply is also being said to be responsible behind its occurrence.
The irrational use of steroids in the treatment of COVID-19 is one of the major reasons behind the rise in black fungus cases. Thus, health professionals are being warned to use steroids with full caution and not to overdo them.
Read also: ANSWERED: How long do antibodies last in the body after COVID-19 infection?
What is aspergillosis?
As per the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, aspergillosis is an infection caused by Aspergillus, which is a common mould infection that lives indoors and outdoors.
Most people inhale Aspergillus spores every day without getting sick. But people with a weakened immune system or lung disease are at a higher risk of developing health issues due to Aspergillus. The problems caused by Aspergillus include allergic reactions, infection in body organs including lungs.
Treatment
If detected at an early stage, the infection can be treated only by taking medication. The treatment for aspergillosis is the same as black and white fungus. In severe case, if the infection spreads to other parts of the body the person has to undergo surgery.