95% of black fungus sufferers in PGIMER have extreme diabetes

The tertiary hospital has seen an increase in the number of cases of mucormycosis (black fungus), of which 116 were reported in May alone.

Doctors treating cases of black fungus on Friday at the Postgraduate Institute for Medical Education and Research in Chandigarh have observed that around 95% of the patients treated here also have severe diabetes.

The tertiary hospital has seen an increase in the number of mucormycosis (black fungus) cases, of which 116 were reported in May alone, official data shows.

Dr. Naresh Panda, head of the Otorhinolaryngology Department, explained the reasons, explaining that patients with compromised immunity are at high risk of developing these fungal infections for a number of reasons.

(HT PHOTO)

“We have observed that around 95% of patients with fungal infections also have uncontrolled diabetes and that some patients have had excessive steroids in the past. Covid-19 also affects a person’s immunity, making them vulnerable to this infection too, “said Dr. Panda.

Given the increase in cases, PGIMER also operates a special OT bed for black fungus cases where at least eight such patients are operated on in a day. Treatment requires removal of the part infected with the fungus. The dead tissue must be removed in order for antifungal drugs to work better in such patients.

“In around 50% of patients, the infection reaches the extent that it affects the eyes after the nose. If it reaches the brain through the eyes, the chances of survival are less. Also, up to 75% of patients have mucormycosis characteristics, and if tested for Covid-19 they will be found positive for the virus. Meanwhile around 15% are Covid-cured patients, “said the doctors.

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