COVID-19, labelled as a disease which primarily affects the lungs, is now accepted to have significant  effects on the helper T cell responses and cytokine release which contribute to immune dysregulation and  hence increased susceptibility to coinfections. Literature demonstrates the association of bacterial and  fungal infections in patients suffering from COVID 19.[1-3] The protracted course of this viral disease has  now led to supervened infections of fungal origin. The prevalence of co-infections, fungal in particular and  Rhino-Orbito-Cerebral Mucormycosis (ROCM) to be specific has been on the rise and this has been  attributed to the disease induced lowered immunity, further compounded by comorbid conditions like  uncontrolled Diabetes Mellitus, use of Broad spectrum antibiotics, corticosteroids and supportive invasive  and non invasive ventilation methods for management of COVID-19.[4] Local Thromboembolism due to  COVID-19, and angio invasive ROCM, both complementing each other compromise blood supply in the  maxillofacial region and create an avascular milieu which encourage bacteria and fungi to colonise, thrive  and flourish. Hence the disease process of COVID- 19 and treatment modalities that follow seem to have  an overbearing influence on the development of fungal and bacterial co-infections whose presentation is  found to be more aggressive with rapid spread breaching barriers and culminating in high mortality rates.  [5] 

Hence the post Covid aftermath of ROCM may have to be considered as a clinically different disease  scenario than the ones reported in literature during the Pre-COVID-19 times. Early diagnosis by  Scrupulous surveillance during and after recovery from COVID 19 would be the key for successful  treatment outcomes. The rationale of this study is to determine the incidence and correlations if any  between COVID 19 and other risk factors like DM.use of steroids and development of co-infections with  ROCM. This study will also help to throw light on the simple screening tool for surveillance and early  diagnosis of ROCM in COVID-19 patients.

3.1) Research Question 1 

Is there higher susceptibility of Rhinocerebral Mucormycosis in patients with COVID-19 getting  hospitalized for management of COVID-19? 

3.2) Research Question 2 

Can Rhinocerebral Mucormycosis be detected using cytological, histopathological and microbiological  methods prior to the clinical onset of the disease in patients suffering from COVID 19?