BLACK FUNGUS ?

 

Explained: What is mucormycosis or ‘black fungus’ in Covid-19 patients, its symptoms and treatment

Mucormycosis, a serious fungal infection but otherwise rare, has been observed in a number of Covid-19 patients recently. While there is no major outbreak, the national Covid task force has issued an advisory.

What is the disease?

Although rare, it is a serious infection. It is caused by a group of moulds known as mucormycetes present naturally in the environment. It mainly affects people who are on medication for health problems that reduces their ability to fight environmental pathogens, say experts from the Covid-19 task force task force.

Sinuses or lungs of such individuals get affected after they inhale fungal spores from the air. Doctors in some states have noted a rise in cases of mucormycosis among people hospitalized or recovering from Covid 19, with some requiring urgent surgery. Usually, mucormycetes does not pose a major threat to those with a healthy immune system.

What is mucormycosis?

Mucormycosis, commonly called black fungus, is a rare but serious fungal infection caused by a kind of fungus called mucormycete, which is abundant in the environment. It mainly affects people who have health problems or take medicines that lower the body’s ability to fight germs and sickness.

Who is vulnerable

Vulnerable groups include people who have health problems or take medicines that lower the body’s ability to fight germs and sickness. These include those with diabetes, cancer, or those who have had an organ transplant.

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Covid 19 , RT PCR and CT value.

After third wave of COVID-19, people are getting tested to detect the fatal infection. While various types of testing can detect the presence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, the RT-PCR test is considered the gold standard. 

What is a PCR test?

PCR means polymerase chain reaction. It’s a test to detect genetic material from a specific organism, such as a virus. The test detects the presence of a virus if you have the virus at the time of the test. The test could also detect fragments of the virus even after you are no longer infected.

What is a COVID-19 PCR test?

The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test for COVID-19 is a molecular test that analyzes your upper respiratory specimen, looking for genetic material (ribonucleic acid or RNA) of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Scientists use the PCR technology to amplify small amounts of RNA from specimens into deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), which is replicated until SARS-CoV-2 is detectable if present. The PCR test has been the gold standard test for diagnosing COVID-19 since authorized for use in February 2020. It’s accurate and reliable.

What is CT value in RT-PCR?

Every RT-PCR report underscores an important parameter Cycle Threshold, commonly known as CT value. The value determines whether the individual is COVID-positive or not.

What is the normal CT value in the RT-PCR report?

The Government of India has fixed the CT value at 35. If the CT value is below 35, the person is COVID positive and if above 35, the individual is COVID negative. Globally, the CT value ranges between 35-40 to determine the infection.

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