While cases of black fungus or mucormycosis have been reported in various states of India with concern following the spread of Covid, the more dangerous white fungus disease has been detected in four patients. Four people, including a doctor, have been diagnosed with white fungus in Patna, Bihar.
White fungus is more dangerous than black fungus as it affects the lungs, skin, stomach, kidneys, brain, private parts, mouth and nails. Doctors said HRCT (high-resolution computed tomography) tests on patients showed that the white fungus infects the lungs in a similar way that the corona virus infects the lungs. HRCT is a CT scan used primarily to diagnose respiratory diseases.
The patients who were diagnosed with white fungus showed similar symptoms to Covid-19 but all four tested negative for Covid, said the head of the microbiology department at Patna Medical College Hospital. S.N. Singh said. He added that the patients had lung infections and that the disease was cured with the introduction of antifungal drugs after the diagnosis.
“White fungal infections may be more dangerous in people who are relatively immune,” he said. S.N. Singh said. He also warned that people with diabetes who take long-term steroids are more likely to develop white fungus. “White fungus can be transmitted to patients with covidine, which provides artificial oxygen,” he said. Says Singh.
Patients with cancer are also more likely to develop fungal infections. He noted that white fungus is a major cause of infection in women and children and is a major cause of leukemia. Proper disinfection of the oxygen system and ventilator can help stave off white fungus. Singh said.