Aspergillosis and Mucormycosis in COVID-19 Patients; a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Afzal, P. S.; Nasir, M.

Fungal infections have increased in number since the onset of this lethal pandemic. The aim of this study is to assess risk factors and case fatality in COVID-19 cases with aspergillosis or mucormycosis. Systematic review and meta-analysis was done according to PRISMA guidelines. Data bases used were Google scholar, Pakmedinet, PUBMED and MEDLINE. 21 case reports and case series of mucormycosis in COVID-19 patients were identified and mean age was 56.3 years (36 males and 12 females). The most common comorbidity was diabetes and site was Rhino orbital mucormycosis. Case fatality of 48 combined cases was calculated to be 52%. 19 articles of aspergillosis were included. Diabetes was the most common comorbidity in cases. The number of male cases were more than females. Incidence of aspergillosis in critically sick COVID-19 patients was calculated to be 9.3%. Case fatality was calculated to be 51.2%. Screening can be a beneficial tool for decreasing the morbidity and mortality.