What is black fungus disease? What is the most important information about it? The most important details about this disease can be found in the following article.
Anyone may be infected with the fungus that causes mucormycosis, or what was previously called mucormycosis, which causes different symptoms to the patient, continue reading the article to learn more details:
black fungus disease
A rare and dangerous disease of black fungus, it arises due to a group of molds called mucoromycetes that live in the environment, especially in soil or decomposing organic matter, such as: leaves, manure, or rotten wood.
People who have health problems that impair the functioning of their immune system, or patients who take medications that reduce the body's ability to fight infection and disease are more susceptible to infection with black fungus.
Black fungus infects the sinuses or lungs after inhalation of fungal spores, and infection can also occur through the skin after exposure to burns or wounds.
Types of black fungus
There are several types of black fungus that cause disease, including the following:
1. Nasal and cerebral onychomycosis
The sinuses and brain are affected by this type of infection, and it is most common in patients with unstable blood sugar or kidney patients who have had a kidney transplant.
2. Pulmonary onychomycosis
This type is most common in the following:
- Cancer patients.
- People who've had an organ or stem molecular transplant.
3. Digestive mycoses
This type is common in certain categories, such as:
- Young people compared to adults, especially premature and newborn babies who are less than a month old and have less weight than normal.
- Patients who have previously taken antibiotics or had surgery.
- Patients who have taken medications that reduce the body's ability to fight infection and disease.
4. Cutaneous onychomycosis
Fungi infiltrate the body through a skin incision due to things such as surgery, burns, or any skin trauma.
This type is most common among people who do not suffer from any diseases that weaken the efficiency of their immune system.
5. Disseminated onychomycosis
This type spreads to the rest of the body through the bloodstream, often affecting the brain and other organs, such as the spleen, heart, or skin.
The group most susceptible to black fungus
Black fungus can infect anyone, but there are conditions that increase the risk of infection, such as:
- Unstable blood sugar.
- Immunity deficiency Virus.
- carcinoid tumors;
- Organ or stem cell transplantation.
- High levels of iron due to hemochromatosis.
- Malnutrition associated with poor health.
- Metabolic acidosis.
Symptoms of black fungus
- high body temperature.
- Itching and chest pain.
- shortness of breath.
- Swelling on one side of the face.
- headache.
- Sinus congestion.
- Abdominal pain.
- vomiting, nausea.
- diarrhea.
- Gastrointestinal bleeding.
- blood accompanying stool.
- The appearance of a black pimple on the bridge of the nose or inside the mouth.
- Skin ulceration, redness, or swelling.
- The skin turned black.
Diagnosis of black fungus
- Clinical examination and history recording, to ensure that the patient is near spoiled food or places where fungal spores are present.
- A sample of nasal or throat fluid in case the patient suffers from a lung or sinus infection.
- A biopsy of tissue from the nose or throat for examination under a microscope.
- Computerized tomography or magnetic resonance imaging to see if the infection has reached the brain or other organs.
black fungus treatment
- Antifungal medicines such as: Amphotericin B, Parconazole and Isavuconazole.
- Medicines that help control blood sugar levels.
- Discontinue the use of medicines that inhibit the action of antifungals such as: Deferoxamine.
How to prevent black fungus
- Be sure to maintain personal hygiene by showering after returning from work, sports or gatherings.
- Wear a face mask when going to places known to be polluted, such as construction sites.