A deadly fungal disease that has taken everyone by a storm.

Zygomycosis now known by its new name mucormycosis is a serious condition that arises due to infection of fungi. It is a rare infection particularly caused by a group of molds known as mucormycetes, hence the name “mucormycosis”.

History of Mucormycosis:

If we dig into the history, we find that the first case of mucormycosis in humans was reported as early as 1885 by Paultauf. Few shreds of evidence suggest some instances of rhino-orbital cerebral mucormycosis in 1943. In 1955, we got to know about the first survivor of mucormycosis.
This suggests that the disease development is rare but it was present for a long time and has emerged again to cause a health emergency unlike before. These molds always lived around us in the environment but were unable to cause infection in such a large number. This has to grab our attention as to what happened now, that these molds turned so active and infectious. Today’s blog is all about a holistic approach with homeopathic management for mucormycosis prevention and treatment.

Current-scenario of mucormycosis
If we look into the present scenario we have a lot of mucormycosis cases in people recovering from covid and thus serves as a major post-covid complication. Currently, the mucormycosis spread is more severe as we are already in a pandemic with overburdened health infrastructure. Also, this time fungus has many names and colours, like black fungus, white fungus, & yellow fungus which is misleading. The air was cleared by an official saying- ” It is better to identify mucormycosis by its name rather than by the colour as labeling the same fungus with the names of different colours can create confusion and mislead”. So, yes it is the same fungus causing all havoc.

Who is at risk
This rare fungal infection is commonly found in people who have low immunity. There can be varied reasons for weak immunity, might be a chronic disease, immune-compromising drug dependency, poor lifestyle, etc. There are a certain group of people who are more prone to get this rare fungal infection mucormycosis, it includes:

1. People with diabetes, cancer, organ transplant, any surgery, neutropenia (low WBC count).
2. Long-term use of portico steroid in any form oral or injections.
3. Premature and LBW (low birth weight) especially in the cases of neonatal gastrointestinal mucormycosis.

Does it spread from one person to another
No, mucormycosis does not spread from one person to another through droplet infection even in the lungs and sinus infections. It spreads through active fungal spores in the environment. For example, lung or sinus type of mucormycosis infection may arise due to inhaling of active spores, while the skin infection may occur when the spores enter through the broken or injured skin surface.

Major types or kind of mucormycosis

There are several types of mucormycosis generally categorized based on the location they affect.

1. Rhinocerebral mucormycosis- affects sinus and brain tissue mainly
2. Pulmonary mucormycosis- affects lungs
3. Gastrointestinal mucormycosis affecting gastric mucosa and intestines.
4. Cutaneous mucormycosis about skin
5. Disseminated mucormycosis- when the infection spreads via blood to affect other organs.

Antifungal Resistance
Fungal infections & their treatment have been a big challenge for public health. The fungus develops resistance towards drugs easily, there are many reasons for the development of such drug resistance. Researches have shown that some species of fungi are naturally resistant to certain drugs. E.g., the drug fluconazole does not affect fungi Aspergillus as it is resistant to it. This drug resistance has developed over time due to improper and incessant use of anti-fungal drugs to treat the suffering people. With only a handful of antifungal drugs in a conventional mode of treatment, it is a challenge to treat the infections especially when there is drug resistance which may vary from species to species and from person to person.

Homeopathic approach for mucormycosis management
With the second wave of covid-19 many residual and post covid complications have come to the light. It’s been more than a year since the whole world is facing this pandemic. Having gone through too many immunosuppressants drugs which were earlier used in few rare cases, certain rare infections have raised their head to mark their presence.

Homeopathy as a system of holistic healing has a lot to offer here, having a vast array of medicines for which fungi can never develop resistance, as every individual is given different remedies according to the different presenting complaints. Fungal infections are amenable to homeopathic treatment, this has been proved through various in-vitro studies conducted on fungal growth. The results obtained were positive and shown that homeopathic medicine could prevent fungal growth. Some clinical studies were also conducted that have shown promising results in fungal infection cases.

An advisory was released by the AYUSH dept. Which enlisted a protocol towards management of mucormycosis infection through symptomatic homeopathic treatment.
Symptomatic treatment is very important for the cases of mucormycosis, as a different type of mucormycosis infection will have a varied arena of symptoms which combined with the general constitution of the person will be displayed outwardly.

To enlist certain medicine suggested by the AYUSH dept. that are suggested:

1. As a regimen for preventing opportunistic infections in post-covid patients use of Ars. alb 200, Thuja occ 1M, Tuberculinum 1M.
2. For suspected and diagnosed cases:
   1. Rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis- Arsenic album, Aurum metallicum, Condurango, Fluoric acidum, Phosphorous,Kali iodatum, Mercurius solubilis, etc.
   2. Pulmonary mucormycosis- Acalypha indica, Lachesis mutus, Crotalus horridus, Acid benzoic, etc
   3. Cutaneous mucormycosis- Anthracinum, Mezerium, Secale cornatum, Sulphur, Lachesis mutus, etc
   4. Gastrointestinal mucormycosis- Ipecac, Arsenic album, Sulphur, Mercurius corrosivus, etc
   5. Septicaemia or disseminated mucormycosis- Pyrogen, Echinaceae
      For the restorative purpose that may vary from case to case Tissue salts, Avena sativa, and Mother tinctures are suggestive.

It is very important to understand that apart from these any other medicine based on symptom similarity can be prescribed for you by a trained homeopathic physician. Potency and dosage play a very crucial role in the homeopathic mode of treatment. Homeopathy believes in simple, single & minimum doses. A holistic approach can help to heal you from within, boost your immunity, and help you to avoid falling prey to these opportunistic infections.

As suggested by ICMR evidence-based guidelines for the management of mucormycosis suggests the utmost need towards conservative management by controlling hyperglycemia, blood glucose levels post covid19, use of steroid judiciously, and taking care of basic respiratory and hygiene. Eat healthily and follow a positive mindset avoiding unnecessary fear. Fear contributes further to weaken the immunity.

In this crucial time where covid19 and associated illness have created a lot of fear and panic always choose the holistic and natural law of cure as and when possible. Follow a positive mindset and precautions to emerge stronger and wiser out of this ugly health emergency. Integrative medicine has a greater scope and the world now knows how important cure is rather than suppression and palliation unless they are an inevitable choice.
I would conclude with a thought-

“ A healer power stems not from any special ability, but from maintaining the courage and awareness to embody and express the universal healing power that every human being naturally possesses”.