What is Black Fungus Disease?

What is Black Fungus Disease?

Black fungal disease is a rare fungal disease. Caused by mold fungi called mucormycosis, this disease can affect many organs and tissues. It occurs in cases where the immune system is weakened, such as cancer, viral diseases, immune system disorders and chronic diseases. Symptoms differ depending on which part of the body the fungus develops. Antifungal drugs are generally preferred for treatment.

The mold fungi that cause the disease can affect the lungs, brain and many other tissues. The disease is commonly found in soil, leaves, animal manure, plants and wood. It can be found in rotten fruit and food. It can be transmitted by consuming such food or being exposed to environments where it is present. The disease is not transmitted from person to person. Early diagnosis and treatment is vital.

What are the Symptoms of Black Fungus Disease?

The symptoms of the disease may differ depending on which part of the body the fungal species occurs. While the symptoms may vary from person to person, the common symptoms of black fungal disease are as follows:

  • Swelling and edema on a part of the face
  • Fever and cough
  • Shortness of breath with chest pain
  • Headache
  • Sinus congestion
  • Blurred or double vision
  • Blood in the stool
  • Diarrhea

If this condition occurs in the skin area, the person's skin may develop blisters, redness and edema. In progressive cases, the lesions may become darker in color and more painful.
On the other hand, the infection can also spread to the bloodstream and appear in different parts of the body. This is called disseminated mucormycosis. Since organs of great importance, such as the spleen and heart, can be affected by harmful conditions such as infection, if symptoms appear, you should immediately go to the nearest health institution.
While neurological problems may occur in the later stages, it can lead to life-threatening conditions such as loss of consciousness and coma.

What Causes Black Fungus Disease?

There are some situations about why the disease occurs and how it is transmitted. Mucormycosis is a disease that occurs after exposure to mold fungi. It is often found on tree leaves, soil and rotten wood particles. It can be transmitted by contact with these.
It can also be transmitted by breathing in environments where molds are present. This causes infection in the sinuses and lungs. It can then appear in the eyes, face and nervous system. It can also infect burns or open wounds on the skin.
Infection of healthy individuals is rare. Mostly people with weak immune systems and people who come into contact with these fungal species are at high risk. In addition to these, the answers to the question "What causes black fungus disease?" and the conditions that pose a risk to the disease can be listed as follows:

  • Burns on the skin
  • Open wounds and scratches
  • Cancer
  • Organ or stem cell transplantation
  • AIDS caused by HIV
  • Uncontrolled diabetes
  • Unhealthy and malnutrition
  • Long-term use of steroids
  • Imbalance in acid levels
  • Iron levels are too high

Once infected, the disease can spread rapidly to different parts of the body. If left untreated and delayed, it can spread to the brain and lung tissues and cause infection, paralysis, stroke, coma, seizures and death.

How is Black Fungus Disease Diagnosed?

In case of symptoms, it is very important for the person to go to the hospital and see a doctor without wasting time. With the physical examination performed by the physician, the complaints experienced by the person are learned.
In addition, the person should also tell the doctor whether he/she has been in environments where these fungi can be seen. After learning the medical history, some tests and examinations may be requested.
For the diagnosis of black fungus, a sample taken from the nose is usually tested first. In these cases, depending on the results, the doctor may also want to use some tests and techniques.
Some imaging methods are used to determine whether the infection has spread to the brain and lungs. Imaging methods such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) are used to detect the disease.
If an infection in the sinuses is suspected, an endoscopic examination and examination of a tissue sample taken from this area is performed. If fungi are seen in the person as a result of the examination of tissue samples and endoscopy procedure, it means that the disease is present.
Individuals with a low immune system and respiratory disorders may undergo a chest tomography to check whether a lung infection has developed. Generally, the images obtained are not different from the findings of pneumonia caused by different organisms. Some of the results obtained on chest tomography may include blistering, nodule development and ground glass appearance.

How is Black Fungus Disease Treated?

If the disease is diagnosed, the treatment process should be planned and treatment should be started immediately. Black fungal disease treatment is carried out with methods determined by specialist doctors.

Treatment usually includes fungal infection drugs called antifungal. Drugs are prescribed by specialist doctors. The disease is not self-healing and cannot be transmitted from person to person.

Antifungal agents stop the growth of fungi that cause infection in the body and prevent them from being damaged. As a result, the infection is controlled and symptoms are reduced.

The medicines used in the treatment can be administered intravenously or as pills. Often in the early stages of treatment, high doses of medication can be given intravenously. In this case, the infection can be controlled. These phases can continue for long periods of time. After intravenous treatment, the doctor may prescribe oral medication.

High doses of antifungal medicines can cause many side effects. Patients should inform the doctor if they experience side effects such as abdominal pain, heartburn or difficulty breathing. The doctor will continue the treatment with a different plan as a result of such side effects.

In advanced stages and cases, surgical treatment may be required. During the surgical intervention, the tissues damaged by the infection are removed and the spread to other tissues is prevented.

Depending on the progression of the disease and the risk to life, some parts of organs such as the nose and eyes may be removed when deemed necessary by the doctor. It is known that such cases may be necessary to preserve the person's life and are done to prevent the spread of infection.

In cases where the disease is not treated or treatment is delayed, there is a risk to life. The disease is not transmitted from person to person.

Preventive measures should be taken when traveling to areas considered to be at risk of disease transmission. Generally, people working in places such as gardens and forests in summer and spring should use masks and in case of injury, the area should be cleaned and bandaged.

If at least one of the symptoms appears, you should go to the hospital immediately. Necessary controls and tests should be carried out to determine the disease status and treatment should be started as soon as possible.

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CreatorNP Istanbul Hospital Editorial Board
Updated At05 March 2024
Created At14 December 2022
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