Study on invasive aspergillosis using galactomannan enzyme immunoassay and determining antifungal drug susceptibility among hospitalized patients with hematologic malignancies or candidates for organ transplantation

The double‐edged sword of systemic corticosteroid therapy in viral pneumonia: A case report and comparative review of influenza‐associated mucormycosis versus COVID‐19 associated mucormycosis

“…Apparently, underlying diseases such as DM, HMs, SOT and use of corticosteroids are independent risk factors for IFIs 13,27‐29 . In our reported case, hyperglycaemia secondary to poorly controlled diabetes and corticosteroid therapy (IV dexamethasone)(considering the fact that interval of 20 days between dexamethasone therapy and mucormycosis occurrence may be somewhat long to construct an association) were the noticeable risk factors for mucormycosis in the patient.…”

“…More so, the combination of steroid therapy and DM can augment immunosuppression and hyperglycaemia, increasing the risk of infection. 31 Hyperglycaemia, acidosis and high-dose corticosteroid treatment paralayse the ability and phagocytic functions of phagocytes, the principal host defence mechanism against mucormycosis, to immigrate to infected tissue and kill the organism. 32 Furthermore, considering the pathogenesis of viral pneumonia, the probability of mucormycosis in the background COVID-19 and influenza may be hypothesised.…”

“…Despite being recommended for the treatment of moderate to severe viral pneumonia, 3,38 steroid therapy appears to be a double-edged sword, predisposing patients to secondary bacterial and IFIs whereby increasing morbidity and mortality. 31 A recent systematic review and meta-analysis observed that corticosteroid therapy was associated with a higher mortality rate when compared with the placebo group, 39 mainly by causing further immunosuppression and prolonged viral shedding. 3 In terms of severity, on its own, severe pneumonia is a bad prognostic factor and secondary pulmonary IFI increases mortality rates.…”

Nanoparticles as antimicrobial and antiviral agents: A literature-based perspective study

“…From ancient times, fungal infections have been significantly contributing to the ever-increasing morbidity and mortality rate (Ardi et al, 2020;Friedman et al, 2020;Khoury et al, 2020). The fungicidal and fungistatic activity of nanoparticles is being studied to control outbreaks caused by pathogenic fungi.…”

New Insights on Mucormycosis and Its Association With the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…Steroid therapy to treat COVID-19 can also cause hyperglycemia, even in healthy individuals, and cause steroid induced diabetes. In addition, steroid therapy together with DM can enhance immunosuppression and hyperglycemia, elevating the infection risk [ 174 ]. DKA is also often detected due to steroid consumption.…”