As the COVID-19 pandemic prevails and people continue to battle black fungus (mucormycosis) simultaneously, it's now white fungus that is making health experts worry. There has been chaos after four patients were hospitalised in Patna, Bihar infected with white fungus. This disease is considered deadlier than black fungus. Among the patients infected with white fungus in Patna is a famous health specialist as well. White fungus (candidiasis) is the main cause of lung infection and besides the lungs, it also infects the skin, nails, inner part of the mouth, stomach, intestine, kidney, genitals, and brain.

According to Dr. SN Singh, head of the Department of Microbiology at Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH), so far four such patients have been found having symptoms like that of COVID-19 but it as it turns out they were infected with white fungus and not coronavirus. So far, only four patients with white fungus have been found in Patna. However, it is a matter of relief that the four patients were cured by antifungal medicine.

White Fungus More Dangerous Than Black Fungus?

This disease has being described to be more dangerous than black fungus. It is being said that it impacts the lungs and at the same time, the infection can also spread to other parts of the body such as nails, skin, stomach, kidney, brain, private parts, and mouth. On of the biggest problems is that its symptoms are often confused with that of coronavirus.

Doctors say that if the symptoms of coronavirus appear in HRCT then it is necessary to check the mucus culture to detect white fungus as well. The white fungus also thrives in people with a suppressed immune system just like the black fungus. People who are diabetic or take steroid medications for a long time are more at risk.

Risk Factors

Diabetes, antibiotics, or prolonged intake of steroids may pose risks. Cancer patients and diabetics on prescribed medications must be extra careful.

Newborns

In the newborn, white fungus may occur in the form of diaper candidosis. It sees cream-coloured white spots. In young children, it can cause oral thrust and is the main cause of leucorrhea in women.

Prevention

For prevention, patients who are on oxygen or ventilator should be taken care of in terms of hygiene. The tubes and equipment should be thoroughly cleaned and sterilized water should be used for humidifiers. Patients who have their rapid antigen and RT-PCR test negative BUT still have coronavirus-like symptoms in HRCT must immediately visit a doctor. The fungal culture of mucus should be tested because an investigation of mucus culture is necessary to detect white fungus.

Symptoms Very Similar To Coronavirus

The symptoms of lung infection from white fungus are similar to that of coronavirus, due to which it is difficult to distinguish whether the patient has COVID-19 or white fungus. COVID-19 patients who are on oxygen support can also be infected.

Mucormycosis, also known as black fungus or zygomycosis, on the other hand, is caused by a group of mold called mucormycetes. These fungi live in the environment, particularly in soil and in decaying organic matter, such as leaves, compost piles, or rotten wood, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 20, 2021 05:53 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).