An insight into the mucormycosis: “The black fungus” mutilating COVID-19 patients

COVID-19-associated mucormycosis (CAM) is an uncommon but possibly lethal fungal illness that has surfaced as a possible COVID-19 consequence.The infection is caused by a Mucorales family fungus that is often found in the environment.COVID-19 individuals who have uncontrolled diabetes, long-term steroid use, or mechanical ventilation are at a higher risk of developing mucormycosis.Mucormycosis can be ophthalmic, gastrointestinal, sinus orbital, cutaneous, or pulmonary, with symptoms differing depending on the kind and site of the infection.The epidemiology of CAM is unknown, but there have been reports of a rise in the prevalence in some parts of the world, including India and Iran.Herbal treatment has been proposed as an adjunctive treatment to conventional treatment, but further studies are required to assess its efficacy.Early detection and treatment are essential to enhancing patient outcomes, and health-care practitioners should be mindful of the risk factors for CAM.Further research is needed to better comprehend the pathophysiology, epidemiology, and management of this newly discovered fungal infection.