A systematic review on SARS-CoV-2 Associated Fungal Co-Infections.

Abstract

Sever pandemic of Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has been sweeping around the globe since 2019, and this time, it did not stop at frequent mutations to transform into virulent strains for instance B.1.1.7, B.1.351, and B.1.427. In recent months, a fungal infection, mucormycosis has emerged with more fatal responses and significantly increased mortality rate. To measure the severity and potential alternative approaches against black fungus co-infection in COVID-19 patients; PubMed, Google Scholar, World Health Organization (WHO) newsletters, and other online resources based on the case reported and retrospective observational analysis were searched from the year 2015-2021. The studies reporting mucormycosis with SARS-CoV-2 co-infection and/or demonstrating potential risk factors, such as a history of diabetes mellitus or suppressed immune system were included, and reports published in non-English language were excluded. More than 20 case reports and observational studies on black fungus co-infection in COVID-19 patients were eligible for inclusion. The results indicated that diabetes mellitus, hyperglycemic, and immunocompromised COVID-19 patients with mucormycosis were at higher risks. According to our study, it is prudent to assess the potential risk factors and severity of invasive mycosis via standardized diagnostic and clinical settings. Large scale studies need to be conducted to identify early biomarkers and optimization of diagnostic methods has to establish as per population and geographical variation. It will not only help clinicians around the world to timely detect the co-infection but will also prepare them for the future outburst of other potential pandemics. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.