The Association Between Mucormycosis and COVID-19: A Literature Review (Review Article)

Author(s): M. Silva Fiorioa, L. Mezzomoa and A. Mezzaria* aFederal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ipiranga Avenue 2752- Azenha, ZIP Code: 90610-000, Department of Clinical Analysis, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.

Abstract: Objectives: the objective of the present paper is to note possible associations between the occurrence of mucormycosis and the COVID-19. Materials and Methods: a literature review was carried out on the databases of Pubmed, Web Of Science and Medline, being a search strategy consisting of the following combined keywords: “fungal infections AND COVID-19”, “fungal co-infection AND COVID-19” e “mucormycosis AND COVID-19”. Analyzes were performed using Excel software regarding location, patient profile and pre-existing comorbidities. Results: From a total of 1.847 articles, 66 were included in the literature review after it had been applied evaluation criteria on whether the studies had met said criteria or not. Regarding the place of origin of the studies, the one that appeared most frequently was India. In addition, 26 studies in which 48 reports of mucormycosis cases associated with COVID-19 had been stated were found. And, regarding patients, the most common comorbidities were diabetes mellitus, arterial hypertension, and heart diseases with an average age of 51,9 years and higher prevalence in the male gender. Rhino-orbital cases were most frequent. Conclusion: An increase in the number of cases of mucormycosis associated with COVID-19 has been demonstrated in several countries. This association between diseases causes an increase in mortality rates, which highlights the importance of correct diagnostic and therapeutic management.

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