Aspergillosis: Symptoms and treatment of the new fungal infection developed after coronavirus recovery

After black, white and yellow fungus, the threat of a new type of fungal infection called aspergillosis has stirred fear among recovered COVID-19 patients. 8 cases of nasal aspergillosis, which infects the sinuses, have been reported from two of the government hospitals in Vadodara, Gujarat over the past week. Like black fungus, aspergillosis is also predominantly seen in COVID-19 cases or those who have recently recovered from the disease. The growing cases of fungal infections may be attributed to the usage of steroids for treating severe coronavirus infection as well as the use of non-sterile water for hydrating the oxygen supply.

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Aspergillosis is an infection caused by a type of mould or fungus called Aspergillus. This fungus is commonly found in the environment but does not lead to any kind of infection in a healthy individual. However, when a person with compromised immunity or lung infection breathes the spores they may develop allergic reactions and lung infections due to it. In severe cases, it can even spread to blood vessels and beyond. The symptoms of this new fungal infection depend on the type of aspergillosis a person is infected with. Different types of aspergillosis affect the body in different ways. Here are some common types and symptoms of this fungal infection.

Fever and chills are the initial symptoms of coronavirus, which lasts for 4-5 days in mild cases. When treating COVID-19, doctors first try to control fever. If your fever returns post-infection then it could be due to the fungal infection.

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When the fungus spreads to the lungs, it may start damaging the tissues, making it difficult to breathe properly. Feeling breathless or out of breath can indicate that the fungus has spread to the lungs.

If the infection precedes the lungs, an infected person may have to deal with persistent coughing. In some cases, they may also cough up small amounts of blood.

The mould enters the body through the nose. It primarily affects the sinus, lungs and then moves towards the brain. This may cause headache and eye irritation or pain.

A low-functioning immune system may itself make you feel tired. Along with that if you are infected with the fungus then you may experience chronic fatigue syndrome. Even performing a simple everyday task would be difficult for you.

Fungal infection can also spread on the skin leading to irritation, redness, swelling, blister and itching.

Diagnosis of an aspergilloma or invasive aspergillosis can be difficult as the symptoms mimic other kinds of lung infection. This fungus is commonly found in all environments but difficult to distinguish from certain other moulds under the microscope. Doctors may generally prescribe a biopsy to sample and test lung tissue. Other tests may involve blood tests to test the fungus molecules, a chest X-ray, a CT scan of the lungs and a sputum stain and culture to examine the bronchial mucus.

If detected at the early stage, the infection can be easily treated with the help of medications. As per an expert, the treatment for aspergillosis is the same as black and white fungus. But if the infection spreads to the other parts of the body, surgery is the only option available.