Fungal sinusitis post COVID 19 – A case series from a diagnostic microbiology laboratory

Fungal infections are on rise globally owing to use of immunosuppressant drugs for various diseases, increased antimicrobials and in-situ devices, long duration stay in hospitalized patients. There was sharp mucormycosis patients post COVID 19 illness which were previously limited end stage diabetic ketoacidosis. We studied the epidemiological, clinical, microbiological radiological aspects culture positive cases fungal sinusitis from April 2021 June 2021. The mean age our 55.4 years (range 38 70 years). M:F ratio 1.5:1. All occurred laboratory and/or radiologically diagnosed 1970% (n=7) had diabetes mellitus as co-morbidity. 60% (n=6) grew Rhizopus arrhizus, 30% Aspergillus species (n=3) 10% Penicillium (n=1). 90% (n=9) improved after treatment whereas (n=1) succumbed illness. Along with rhino-orbito-cerebral infections, nasal aspergillosis also noted a prominent cause As antifungal therapy these two differs significantly, caution must be adhered while diagnosing treating.