As India still continues to clear off the
second wave of the coronavirus pandemic,
recovery rate is badly hit by various fungal
infections. During the early and mid-stages
of second wave, we have seen patients
struggling to recover due to fungal
infections like - black fungus, white fungus,
and yellow fungus. Green fungus is a new
type of fungal infections that is reported in
covid patients. The first case of green
fungus is recently reported in a 34-year-old
Covid-19 survivor.
What is Green Fungus?
Green fungus is caused by Aspergillus - a
common mold or type of fungus that lives
indoors and outdoors. The infection most
commonly affects the lungs. Although most
people with green fungus infection are
believed to be able to breathe, but people
with weakened immune systems or those
suffering from lung diseases are considered
to be at higher risk. The Green Fungus is
being related with Covid-19 as the virus
affects the lungs which increases the
chances of contracting the fungal infection
among those recovering or dealing with
coronavirus.
Symptoms of Green Fungus?
Different types of Aspergillus leads to different symptoms among patients. The symptoms are similar to asthma. The symptoms may include wheezing, shortness of breath, cough, fever (in rare
Different types of Aspergillus leads to different symptoms among patients. The symptoms are similar to asthma. The symptoms may include wheezing, shortness of breath, cough, fever (in rare
cases), stuffiness, runny nose, headache,
reduced ability to smell, chest pain,
shortness of breath, weight loss and blood
in urine. There can be other symptoms as
well that can develop if the infection
spreads from the lungs to other parts of the
body.
Who can contract Green Fungus?
According to the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), different types of Aspergilli affect different people. For example, Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) generally affects people suffering from Asthma or cystic fibrosis. Chronic Pulmonary Aspergillosis, also known as “fungus ball”, usually affects people with other lung diseases such as tuberculosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or sarcoidosis. Meanwhile, Invasive Aspergillosis affects people who have weakened immune
According to the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), different types of Aspergilli affect different people. For example, Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) generally affects people suffering from Asthma or cystic fibrosis. Chronic Pulmonary Aspergillosis, also known as “fungus ball”, usually affects people with other lung diseases such as tuberculosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or sarcoidosis. Meanwhile, Invasive Aspergillosis affects people who have weakened immune
systems, which includes those people who are undergoing chemotherapy for cancer or those who have had an organ transplant.
How is Green Fungus detected?
Green Fungus can be detected through a chest x-ray or a CT scan of your lungs or other parts of your body. If a lung infection is suspected to be related to green fungus, a fluid sample from the respiratory tract can be collected. For those with severely weakened immune systems, a blood test may be required to detect the infection.
How is Green Fungus detected?
Green Fungus can be detected through a chest x-ray or a CT scan of your lungs or other parts of your body. If a lung infection is suspected to be related to green fungus, a fluid sample from the respiratory tract can be collected. For those with severely weakened immune systems, a blood test may be required to detect the infection.
How is Green Fungus different from other fungal infections?
| Basis | Green Fungus | Black Fungus | White Fungus | Yellow Fungus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Cause |
Aspergillus |
Mucoromycetes |
Mucoromycetes |
Mucoromycetes |
Symptoms |
Wheezing,
shortness of
breath, coughing,
runny nose,
reduced ability to
smell, weight
loss, coughing up
of blood and
fever. |
Blurred vision,
discolouration
over the nose,
pain in the chest,
breathlessness
pain on one side
of the face and
toothache. |
Pain in the chest,
cough,
breathlessness,
body pain,
headache,
infection in some
body parts or
swelling. |
Lack of appetite,
pus leakage, weight
loss, slow healing
of wounds,
lethargy, and
sunken eyes. |
Content |
People with low
immunity, lung
diseases e.g.,
cystic fibrosis,
asthma,
tuberculosis, or
chronic
obstructive
pulmonary
disease (COPD). |
People having
diabetes, Covid-
19 patients and
those people
who have been
consuming
steroids. People
staying in ICU
for a long time
are also at risk. |
People who have
low immunity. It
can also affect
people exposed to
unsanitary places,
diabetic and
cancer patients
and those who
have been
consuming
steroids. |
People who have
poor hygienic
surroundings. Also,
those people who
consume
contaminated food,
antibacterial
medications,
steroids and have
poor oxygen use
are at risk. |
Is Green Fungus contagious?
It has been found that the Green Fungus is not contagious and cannot be transmitted from one human being to another, or between people and animals.
It has been found that the Green Fungus is not contagious and cannot be transmitted from one human being to another, or between people and animals.
How to prevent Green Fungus?
According to medical professionals, Green Fungus infection can be prevented by
According to medical professionals, Green Fungus infection can be prevented by
keeping good hygiene levels, and oral and physical cleanliness. People should avoid going to areas with a lot of dust and stored contaminated water. In case a person cannot avoid going to such areas, he/she should wear an N95 respirator for prevention measures. People should also avoid engaging in activities that involve close contact to soil or dust. In case of exposure to dust or oil, people should wash their face and hands with soap and water.
