Occupational Dust Exposure Unveils Pulmonary Mucormycosis in an Uncontrolled Diabetic: A Case Report

Mucormycosis is a life-threatening infection caused by fungi in the Mucorales species. It mainly affects diabetes patients and other immune-compromised hosts. The infection can involve multiple organ systems, with the lungs being the second most common site. Infection occurs by inhalation or by direct contact with damaged skin. Mucorales infections can have rhino cerebral, pulmonary, gastrointestinal, and central nervous system manifestations. Pulmonary mucormycosis is often rapidly progressive with acute dyspnoea, and chest pain. Pulmonary mucormycosis, can be aggravated by dust exposure in individuals with uncontrolled diabetes. Diabetics, particularly those with poor glycaemic control, are more susceptible to mucormycosis, and dust exposure can introduce the fungal spores (mucor) into the respiratory system, leading to infection.