Cases of COVID-19 associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA) are being increasingly reported and physicians treating patients with COVID-19-related lung disease need to actively consider these fungal co-infections https://bit.ly/3feuGsQ

A new report provides insight into the incidence of pulmonary aspergillosis among COVID-19 patients.

"There are two orders of Zygomycetes containing organisms that cause human disease, the Mucorales and the Entomophthorales. The majority of human illness is caused by the Mucorales. While disease is most commonly linked to Rhizopus spp., other organisms are also associated with human infection, including Mucor, Rhizomucor, Absidia, Apophysomyces, Saksenaea, Cunninghamella, Cokeromyces, and Syncephalastrum spp. Although Mortierella spp. do cause disease in animals, there is no longer sufficient evidence to suggest that they are true human pathogens. The spores from these molds are transmitted by inhalation, via a variety of percutaneous routes, or by ingestion of spores. Human zygomycosis caused by the Mucorales generally occurs in immunocompromised hosts as opportunistic infections. Host risk factors include diabetes mellitus, neutropenia, sustained immunosuppressive therapy, chronic prednisone use, iron chelation therapy, broad-spectrum antibiotic use, severe malnutrition, and primary breakdown in the integrity of the cutaneous barrier such as trauma, surgical wounds, needle sticks, or burns. Zygomycosis occurs only rarely in immunocompetent hosts. The disease manifestations reflect the mode of transmission, with rhinocerebral and pulmonary diseases being the most common manifestations. Cutaneous, gastrointestinal, and allergic diseases are also seen. The Mucorales are associated with angioinvasive disease, often leading to thrombosis, infarction of involved tissues, and tissue destruction mediated by a number of fungal proteases, lipases, and mycotoxins. If the diagnosis is not made early, dissemination often occurs"

There has been a debate on whether unhygienic delivery of oxygen to Covid-19 patients could be a potential cause behind the rise in fungal cases, especially mucormycosis.

1986. A review of the health effects of relative humidity in indoor environments suggests that relative humidity can affect the incidence of respiratory infections and allergies. Experimental studies on airborne-transmitted infectious bacteria and viruses have ...

(2019). "deeper understanding and more efficient utilization of bioaerosol studies to prevent public health hazards" "Mycotoxins, defined as secondary metabolites of fungi, are harmful indoor-air contaminants associated with mold growth in buildings and are known to cause several diseases such as cancer, hepatitis, and nephritis (Jarvis and Miller 2005). A component in the cell wall of fungi, (1→3)-β-d-glucan, is believed to play a role in pulmonary inflammation, increased sensitivity to endotoxins, and pulmonary embolisms."

(2008). Airborne Fungal and Bacterial Levels Associated With the Use of Automobile Air Conditioners or Heaters, Room Air Conditioners, and Humidifiers. Archives of Environmental & Occupational Health: Vol. 63, No. 3, pp. 101-107.