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As the Covid-19 wave accompanied by dangerous black fungus, another alarming situation arises i.e. white fungus, which has recently surfaced in Bihar, making people in a panic state. Dr SN Singh, Head Microbiology department, Medical College and Hospital, Patna, reported four patients, that had been recently diagnosed with white fungal infection in Patna. 

What is White Fungus ( aka Aspergillosis)?

Both the white and black fungus are caused by fungi moulds, called 'mucormycetes' present in the environment. White fungus is considered to be more hazardous than black fungus, which makes it capable to spread in the dangerous way affecting not only lungs but also the other parts of the body including nails, skin, stomach, kidney, brain and mouth

Although many experts reported it to be more dangerous than black fungus, but few other experts on the other hand, reported it to be common fungal infection, which can be easily treated. According to Dr. Suresh Kumar, MD LNJP hospital, Delhi and Dr Kapil Salgia, pulmonologist in Bombay Hospital, white fungus (Aspergillosis) is not as dangerous as black fungus. Other experts also add, as it is nothing but candidiasis, a fungal infection. 

According to Dr. S N Singh, white fungus may be present inside the oxygen given to patients and also detected in the tap water used in a humidifier attached to an oxygen cylinder given to the patient. 

Difference between White Fungus and Black Fungus: Some of the difference between these two fungus given by health experts are as follows :

Infection Site

According to Gilada, the infection generally affects areas or parts of the body that have a thin lining, mucocutaneous junctions like lips, nose, or inside the mouth and genital area. It also affects the other parts of the body including skin, nails, stomach, brain kidney and mouth besides lungs.

Warning Signs of white fungus

According to the latest updates from doctors, patients with white fungus infection show Corona like symptoms affecting respiratory system, therefore it should not be left untreated. Lungs infection from white fungus causes shortness of breath, cough, chest pain and fever are the other few symptoms found from this infection

Who are catching White Fungus ?

Those with poor or compromised immunity, suffering from diabetes and have been on heavy steroids use like Covid-19 patients, are more at risk of infection. White fungus also affect patients with pre-existing medical conditions, AIDS, Cancer, and who had a recent kidney transplant. 

Some reports also suggest that children and women's face additional risks of infection, which were not seen with black fungus. 

Healthcare experts also warn that like black fungus, white fungus also spread, when a person comes in contact with unsanitary surface. So special concern should be given on hygiene and sanitation. 

How the White fungus infection can be diagnosed?

The infection can be diagnosed through CT-Scan or X-ray,” the doctor says. According to Dr Gilada, infectious disease specialist, a simple microscopic examination under 10 per cent KOH (potassium hydroxide) can also be done to detect the infection.

Treatment if found Infected with White fungus.

According to Dr Kapil Salgia, infection due to white fungus are easily manageable and antifungal drugs can be given to those found with this fungal infection. According to Dr SN Singh, antifungal drugs have also given to all four patients detected with white fungus infection and showing improvement in their conditions.

The Bottom Line

White fungus are found with similar symptoms like coronavirus and black fungus, so it can easily affects those with weak immunity like diabetes, cancer patients, those who are using steroids for a long period of time and those coronavirus patients who are on oxygen support.

Reports suggest that infection with white fungus are being treated with antifungal medication and are recovering well. So early diagnosis is required for this.