Tag: Black Fungus

Health

Patient who lost upper jaw to black fungus facing enormous trauma, rehabilitated with a breakthrough surgery!

Jan 21, 2022 by Praveen 0 Comments #Black Fungus, #surgery, #upper jaw

Specialists at LBR Dental and Implant Center, Hyderabad; performed a complex maxillofacial surgery, restored the upper jaw of a 55 year old patient with advanced dental implants and helped him, lead a normal life. The patient lost the jaw to the deadly Mucormycosis. Dental surgeons led by Dr K. A. Reddy, Chief Implant Surgeon and Key Opinion Leader of BioLine implants, India and Overseas; ably supported by Dr Swapnil Pandey, a Digital Expert and Dr Rangnath Jawar, Oral and maxillofacial surgeon; rehabilitated the patient in 3 days using top-notch BioLine Zygomatic and Tubero Pterygoid implants, through a break through maxillofacial surgery. Mucormycosis or Black Fungus, impacted several patients post COVID care and turned life threatening to many.

The COVID survivor, hailing from karimnagar district, though overcame COVID, was afflicted with Mucormycosis, which turned life threatening for him. Prolonged treatment enabled him to get rid of the Black fungus, but by then he had lost major portion of his upper jaw. There was no end to his misery, as he could neither chew food or swallow, also lost his ability to speak and faced myriad other problems including difficulty in breathing. It impacted his health severely, developed debility and had to endure enormous trauma. In addition, social prejudice led to he getting into a shell and impacting him psychologically too.

He visited several dental hospitals to seek treatment, most didn’t have the expertise to treat, at the few which gave hope to him, the treatment cost was prohibitively expensive and well beyond his means. That’s when a non-profitable organisation, Mucor Care Foundation, operating to rehabilitate patients who lost jaws and teeth due to fungal infection, came forward and provided the much needed succour to him.

Though Zygoma and pterygoid implants are being done with great finesse in specialised centres, this case is considered as a watershed, as it was done on a mucormycosis patient who had no bone left. The best part is that the entire surgery was done under local anaesthesia and fixed teeth were replaced in 3 days says, Dr K. A. Reddy.

The Zygoma and Pterygoid implants, used to treat this patient are unique from the conventional dental implants. These implants are apt for patients who do not have adequate or enough bone lost due to age, infection or any trauma. The Zygoma implants anchor in to the zygomatic bone or cheek bone rather than the upper jaw, which was missing in this patient. These implants are handy when upper jaw bone quality or quantity is inadequate for the placement of regular dental implants. While, Pterygoid implants are placed in the posterior most region of the upper jaw, help avoid sinus-lifting or other grafting procedures to replace teeth immediately within 3 days without any cantilevers. Both Zygoma and Pterygoid implants require surgical excellence of highest order, to position them and have excellent prognosis. There is a dearth of this expertise in the country.

As the patient lost most of his upper jaw and there was no jaw bone left to place regular implants. Zygoma and pterygoid implants were the only alternative for him, therefore the surgeons placed Double zygoma implants in him for extra anchorage, which enabled to firmly fix the teeth within three days. The patient can now lead a normal life, as this is a permanent life time treatment.

Business World

Redcliffe Lifetech introduces Mucormycosis Multiplex RT-PCR Test to diagnose rapidly spreading Black Fungus

Jun 3, 2021 by Rekha Nair 0 Comments #Black Fungus, #COVID-19, #Dheeraj Jain, #Managing Director, #Mucormycosis, #Redcliffe Lifetech

New Delhi: While India is still struggling with the second wave of Covid-19, a rare and invasive fungal infection with exceedingly high mortality Mucormycosis (commonly known as Black Fungus) has triggered an allnew health challenge in the country. More than 11,000 cases of black fungal infection have been reported from different parts, forcing state governments to declare it an epidemic. In order to help the Government in the diagnosis of Mucormycosis, Redcliffe Lifetech, a leading molecular diagnostics company has introduced a non-invasive (Serum/Fluid) RT-PCR Test to detect the DNA of Mucorales species. As a part of the diagnostic process, BAL samples will be used to directly detect the infection, with sample-to-result collection in less than 24 hours.

Redcliffe Lifetech through its innovative molecular diagnostic service will collect various samples for conducting RT-PCR Test such as Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) samples, Biopsy samples, paraffin embedded, Serum samples to detect the potential health disorder or diseases in people. The diagnosis of Mucormycosis will target Pan-Mucormycetes, Rhizopus spp., Mucor spp., Lichtheimis spp., Cunninghamella spp., Rhizomucor spp., Internal Control (IC).

Commenting on the announcement, Dheeraj Jain, Managing Director, Redcliffe Lifetech said, “We endeavor to assist the Government of India and the general public in combating this deadly infection with the most advanced approach. With the help of our technology, we can assist them in a timely diagnosis of Mucormycosis. This will undoubtedly aid in the diagnosis and treatment of patients.”

Mucormycosis is a rare invasive fungus that has a high mortality rate and few treatment options. The disease is caused by Mucorales, which is a large group of species within the order of zygomycetes.

Mucormycosis generally affects people with comorbid conditions taking immunosuppressant steroid medications to manage pre-existing illnesses as well as COVID-19, over an extended length of time or those with diabetes mellitus who are unable to keep blood sugar levels within the normal range. It also believed that being treated in the Intensive Care Unit i.e. ICU wing of hospitals for a prolonged interval of time. Having a vulnerable immune system that is weakened owing to comorbidities such as previous organ transplant surgeries or cancer therapy procedures or those already taking prescription antifungal drugs to combat infections are prone to get infected.

The company is pricing the test at Rs 7,000.

Health, News

Celon launches an emulsion-based drug to treat the deadly Black Fungus in COVID–19 patients

Jun 1, 2021 by Rekha Nair 0 Comments #Black Fungus, #Celon Labs’ Managing Director, #Mr. Hocine Sidi, #Mr. M. Nagesh Kumar, #Mucormycosis, #the Chairman of Celon

Hyderabad: Hyderabad based specialty biopharmaceutical manufacturer, Celon Laboratories, announced the launch of an alternative drug – Amphotericin B Emulsion, for the treatment of Mucormycosis, commonly known as Black Fungus. The drug is set to provide much needed respite to patients reeling under the severe impact of the second wave of COVID-19 and the resultant Black Fungus.

Amphotericin B, is crucial to the treatment of Mucormycosis, of which a sudden resurgence is being witnessed off late among COVID-19 patients, across India. Though Celon has been manufacturing Liposomal Amphotericin B since 2013, market demands were not met due to the unavailability of a critical ingredient sourced from Germany — lipoids. To bypass the bottleneck caused by this sourcing obstacle and increase production of this medication, Celon developed an alternative, an emulsion-based formulation.

Exhaustively developed by Celon’s in-house R&D team in a record three weeks, the emulsion-based formulation will provide leading hospitals and COVID-19 treatment centers with increased resources to treat the Black Fungus. Celon will manufacture 10,000 vials per day, which will ensure relief for approximately 6,000 patients monthly.

Celon Labs’ Managing Director, Mr. M. Nagesh Kumar, spoke of Celon’s role during India’s second wave of COVID-19: “Celon Labs is deeply committed to supporting the ongoing efforts to combat the Covid-19 pandemic during this deadly second wave and to save as many lives as possible. The emulsion-based formulation is an ideal alternative to Liposomal Amphotericin B to combat the Black Fungus. The company will start supplying the domestic market soon.”

Additionally, the Chairman of Celon, Mr. Hocine Sidi-Said, expressed his gratitude to employees for achieving this important milestone: “I am delighted to see that Celon Labs has mobilized its talents and expertise to swiftly respond to this pressing medical need. I am grateful to the team at Celon Labs who have made the launch of Amphotericin B Emulsion possible.”

Health, News

Talk by medical expert on Black Fungus

May 24, 2021 by Rekha Nair 0 Comments #Black Fungus

Hyderabad…..TSFCCT to organise an awareness talk on Fungal Infection “Black Fungus” that is shaking our country now.

The Telangana State Federation of Chambers of Commerce & Trade (TSFCCT) which is always in the forefront of organising awareness talks on emerging and new subjects has roped in a well known ENT Specialist Dr. M. Mohan Reddy, a Senior ENT Surgeon, Nova ENT Hospital and a Specialist in Endoscopic Sinus & Skull Base Surgery. The talk will bed held virtually on Sunday, 23rd May at 4pm on Zoom Platform. All are invited to join and know more about it.

Those interested may call to seek more information such as log in credentials in phone: 98480 23336

It is better to know now about Black Fungus, the new fungal infection which is shaking India, before it teaches us what it is says Ammanabolu Prakash, President of TSFCCT

Amid Covid Crisis, as if that is not sufficient we are pushed hard now with Black Fungus which is more scientifically known as “Mucormycosis”. It is already notified under the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897 by some states. As it is spreading fast and before the What’s App Doctor gets active on this we would like to create more awareness for better understanding by a right person with the right information. So that we can save many falling prey to fake news and misinformation, he said.

We want traders, the members of TSFCCT to be Black Fungus News Warriors, the President of TSFCCT said.

Business World

L V Prasad Eye Institute Launches MUCORMYCOSIS HOTLINE – 18002002211 for Eye Related ‘Black Fungus’ Issues

May 24, 2021 by Rekha Nair 0 Comments #Black Fungus, #Mucormycosis

Hyderabad: “Mucormycosis has been declared as an epidemic now. After COVID, it is the next fast emerging threat, and the need of the hour is early diagnosis and timely treatment. To minimize the delay in accessing timely treatment for patients, L V Prasad Eye Institute has introduced a hotline number – 18002002211. People can call any time on this number between 9:00 am to 6:00 pm from Monday to Saturday for any queries regarding Mucormycosis. In Telangana, LVPEI has a quaternary eye care centre and three city centres at Hyderabad. We also have secondary centres across Adilabad, Bhadradri Kothagudem, Nagarkurnool, Nirmal, Rangareddy, Kothur and Siddipet. In cases where immediate care is needed, our counsellors will share with the caller the contact address of the nearest LVPEI Centre in their vicinity. For the benefit of patients who cannot travel, we are even offering teleconsultation services,” informs Dr Tarjani Vivek Dave, Oculoplasty Surgeon, L V Prasad Eye Institute.

What is Mucormycosis?

Mucormycosis is a fungal infection of the sinuses, eye and brain. The term Black Fungus used for Mucormycosis is a misnomer.

Who is most likely to get Mucormycosis?

Patients with uncontrolled diabetes mellitus or those that have been treated with steroids for COVID-19 infection are most likely to get Mucormycosis. Patients who had required admission and oxygen treatment for COVID-19 are also at a risk. Patients suffering with other immune deficiencies, post organ transplant and those who have suffered extensive burns are also at risk.

What are the common symptoms of Mucormycosis?

· Nasal stuffiness and sinusitis

· Pain over the sinuses

· Dental pain

· Sudden Decreased vision or loss of vision

· Drooping of the upper eyelid (ptosis)

· Swelling over the eyelids

· A black lesion in the mouth or the nose

What should I do if I think I have Mucormycosis?

Please consult your ENT and Eye doctors at the earliest.

What is the treatment?

Mucormycosis is a very invasive infection with significant morbidity and mortality. An MRI scan is generally done to find out the extent of Mucormycosis.

Early and localized infections can be treated with sinus surgery, intravenous and local anti-fungal injections followed by a long course of oral anti-fungal medications. Extensively spread of infections require aggressive sinus surgery to clear the internal contents of the cheekbones and injections behind the eye. In a lot of these cases unfortunately, the entire eyeball may need to be removed in order to contain the infection and avoid fatality.

Your Eye and ENT doctors will examine you and ask for MRI scans. Based on the scans, they will guide you on the required treatment.

Will my eye be removed?

This is a decision that your doctor will take once an entire eye and sinus examination, and an MRI scan have been done.

Health

Mucormycosis the ‘Black Fungus’: A battle within the war

May 12, 2021 by Neel Achary 0 Comments #Black Fungus

Can occur either concurrent to the COVID-19 infection or in the early post-recovery phase Patients with pre-existing, poorly controlled diabetes are more at risk for Mucormycosis

Be Aware, Be Vigilant

The COVID-19 viral infection has wreaked havoc the world over leading to high rates of infection and mortality. The second wave of COVID-19 that India is witnessing is far more severe with an increase in the incidence of an unusual fungal infection. Popularly known as Black Fungus, its scientific name is Mucormycosis. It is caused by a ubiquitous fungus found all around us in soil, water and air called Mucor.

Why this sudden spike in Mucormycosis in COVID-19?

Black Fungus or Mucormycosis can occur either concurrent to the COVID-19 infection or in the early post-recovery phase and affect the sinuses, eyes and brain. Even though Mucor is present in the oral and respiratory lining of healthy individuals, it does not manifest as an infection in the presence of a healthy and intact immune system. Generally, this infection occurs in patients with uncontrolled diabetes, undergoing cancer chemotherapy, on long-term steroid therapy, following organ transplantation, extensive burns and poly-trauma (severe injuries).

The COVID-19 virus causes a reduction in the lymphocyte (white blood cell) levels in the body. WBCs are the body’s first line of defence against infections. Its failure allows for Mucor to attack the body and spread in the body tissues. The current COVID management protocols require judicious but high dose steroid usage in those patients whose lungs have got affected. While helping to bring the COVID-related damage under control, the counter-effect of such high dose steroids is suppression of the body’s immune mechanisms, which in turn makes our body more vulnerable to the adverse effects of this Black Fungus.

Certain drugs called immunomodulators used to treat severe cases of COVID-19 can cause immunosuppression. ICU admissions with long-term oxygen inhalation may result in a drop in oxygen mask hygiene. If the patient has pre-existing, poorly controlled diabetes, he/she is more at risk of developing Mucormycosis.

As the severity of the second wave is far more intense, more patients are being put on steroids and oxygen, and hence the increase in the cases of Black Fungus.

 What are the common symptoms? 

–          Any kind of facial pain

–          Pain over the sinuses (cheekbones)

–          Stuffy nose

–          Blood-stained or black nasal discharge

–          Drooping of the upper eyelid

–          Unusualbulging of the eyes

–          Restricted movement of the eyeball

–          Sudden redness and extreme swelling over the eyeball

–          Sudden decrease in vision

–          Black lesions on the palate or dental pain

If the patient experiences any such symptoms, he/she should immediately consult a specialized eye surgeon, preferably an Oculoplasty Specialist. Alternatively, an ENT surgeon can also be consulted. Patients can also avail teleconsultation if they are in isolation or under hospital admission.

 What is the available treatment?

Mucormycosis is a very invasive infection with significant morbidity and mortality. Blood tests to check sugar levels, nasal swabs and MRI scan are generally done to find out the presence and extent of the Mucor infection.

Early and localized infections can be treated with intravenous and local anti-fungal injections followed by a longcourse of oral anti-fungal medications. Extensively spread infections require aggressive sinus surgery to clear the internal contents of the cheekbones and injections behind the eye. In a lot of these cases unfortunately, the entire eyeball may need to be removed in order to contain the infection and avoid fatality.

Precautions

To reduce the risk of contracting Mucormycosis, the patients can consult their treating physician to ensure good control of blood sugar both during and after recovery from COVID-19. Before your physician puts you on a particular treatment plan, diligently list out to them the physical ailments that you, especially diabetes, high blood pressure, etc. Steroids should be used very judiciously during active COVID-19 infection, i.e. only when the saturation on room air falls below 94, and that too under the care of an expert who can monitor for blood sugar rise and treat promptly. Those under home isolation may not need any steroid treatment. Hygiene of the oxygen masks and humidifiers should be maintained with utmost care. Eat healthy, stay stress-free and follow the COVID precaution protocols. These small tips would hopefully help keep this fungus at bay!

Dr Tarjani Vivek Dave

Senior Ophthalmologist – Oculoplasty Specialist

L V Prasad Eye Institute 

Contact: Mobile: +91 76808 49900; Email: tarjani@lvpei.org

Profile brief: https://www.lvpei.org/view_doctor/dr-tarjani-vivek-dave