In recent times, numerous reports of systemic fungal infections have been a major concern. The angioinvasive fungal infection, mucormycosis, has surged in patients with COVID-19 due to various factors, mainly uncontrolled diabetes and inappropriate corticosteroid use. The prevalence of this acute and fatal fungal infection caused by Mucorales-related fungal species has been highest in the Indian population. COVID-associated mucormycosis (CAM) has a propensity for contiguous spread and exhibits high morbidity as well as mortality. Unless promptly detected and treated, it is associated with a poor prognosis.
A high index of suspicion, aggressive surgical debridement and use of systemic antifungal agents continue to be the standard of care for CAM. Moreover, there is an imperative need to address this public health issue by increasing public awareness and education. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the emergence of CAM during the pandemic, the current burden, pathophysiology, diagnostic interventions and management of CAM in Indian clinical practice.