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Biopsy, Culture report confirms black fungus; Patient in SMCH stable but not out of danger

The diagnosis of mucormycosis or black fungus, in most cases, happens by the process of exclusion and that is why doctors around the world are urged to have clinical suspicion in their mind.

A patient from Karimganj, as per the data shared by Silchar Medical College and Hospital, was presented to the doctors on May 26 with a problem in the eye. The complications in the post-Covid patient immediately rang a bell in doctors’ mind and a preliminary KOH test was performed to check if the patient who was on oxygen support for a long period of time is infected by the Black Fungus. The patient’s samples were positive on KOH, however, as the test does not provide any conclusive evidence, the doctors waited for Culture and Biopsy reports before declaring it as a confirmed case of mucormycosis. But, as per protocols, on clinical suspicion, a special medical team consisting the Head of the Department, ENT, Ophthalmology, Medicine, Dermatology and Microbiology started the treating the patients. AmphotericinB doses have been procured and administered in the patient.

Yesterday, the doctors’ clinical suspicion got validation of the remaining reports. Vice Principal of Silchar Medical College and Hospital, Dr. Bhaskar Gupta informed that both biopsy and culture report have come positive for Black Fungus infection. “The patient is responding to treatment but it is too early to say anything. At best, we can say that the patient is stable but not out of danger yet,” informed Dr. Gupta.

In an interview with Doordarshan, Dr. Babul Kumar Bezbaruah, Principal and chief-superintendent of SMCH said that the patient was presented late to the hospital when his nose, eyes and a part of brain is already involved. “According to the treatment protocols, we must remove one infected eye to save the other eye. But the patient is on oxygen support and not in a condition to undergo a surgery. We are leaving no stone unturned to cure the patient and we have all the support from State supply,” said Dr. Bezbaruah.

The family members of the Karimganj-based patient said that they are in regular touch with the patient over video calls and his condition has improved since the time he was admitted to the hospital.

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