Experts are warning people about the effects of increased zinc and antibiotic intake during COVID-19 treatment in relation to the emergence of black fungus. As India continues to grapple with rising COVID-19 cases, a deadly fungal infection called mucormycosis or black fungus has posed a new health challenge in the country. More than 11,000 cases of black fungus have been reported across various regions, prompting state governments to declare the situation an epidemic.
This rare fungal infection has been widely linked to excessive steroid use and uncontrolled diabetes among COVID-19 patients during the second wave of the virus. According to the Times of India, experts are now insisting on careful examination of the widespread use of zinc in treating COVID-19 infections, fearing it may be related to the black fungus outbreak.
What do the experts say? Dr. Rajeev Jayadevan, the former president of the Indian Medical Association (IMA), emphasized the impact of excessive steam inhalation and zinc and combination antibiotic supplements used in treating COVID-19 on the black fungus spread. He cited a study conducted on 210 COVID-19 patients in four hospitals, showing how these three factors could contribute to fungal growth. He noted in a tweet that the combination of antibiotics—azithromycin, doxycycline, and carbapenems—could increase the risk of fungal infections.
He wrote, "Fungi thrive in a zinc-rich environment, and mammalian cells attempt to sequester zinc from fungi to avoid infection." Jayadevan added, "Excessive steam can damage the thin mucus layer and even cause burns along the mucous membrane, facilitating fungal penetration of the natural defense system. Burns accounted for between 10% and 20% of fungal infections in India."
Jayadevan also indicated that about 21% of the patients analyzed were not diabetic and only 52% of the patients required oxygen support.
COVID Drugs and Black Fungus
Paracetamol is prescribed to patients for temperature control in about 80% of COVID-19 cases in India, along with five to seven other drugs consisting of dietary supplements and antibiotics; additionally, people are advised to use steam inhalation two to three times a day. Zinc supplements are recommended to boost immunity and expedite healing, as zinc activates over 300 enzymes in the body that support various functions, including strengthening the immune system. Previous reports indicate that zinc can act as a growth factor for fungi, especially mucormycosis. Studies have also shown that withdrawal from zinc makes it difficult for fungi to survive.
Steam inhalation has emerged as a popular method to combat COVID-19, considered beneficial for relieving congestion or colds in the upper respiratory tract. However, experts believe it does not help in cases of pneumonia or any lung disease.
Industrial Oxygen Linked to Black Fungus Cases
According to another theory, the use of industrial oxygen cylinders may also be linked to the rise in fungal cases in the country. As the demand for oxygen supplies surged, a significant quantity of industrial oxygen has been diverted for medical purposes. In many areas, industrial cylinders are also being used instead of medical oxygen cylinders.
Although industrial oxygen is purer than medical oxygen, industrial cylinders are not maintained as well as medical oxygen cylinders. Industrial cylinders can leak and are not hygienically maintained. Cylinders filled with contaminated water and soil from inside can promote fungal growth. Despite all this, further research is needed in this area before reaching any conclusions.
