Innovative Rapid Test Aims to Save Lives from Deadly Fungal Infection on the Rise During Pandemic

A groundbreaking lateral-flow diagnostic test is being developed to enable swift detection of mucormycosis, a deadly fungal infection that saw a significant surge during the COVID-19 pandemic. This new testing method could revolutionize how healthcare providers identify and treat this dangerous disease, potentially saving countless lives worldwide.

Mucormycosis, caused by inhaling spores of Mucorales fungi, generally poses little threat to healthy individuals. However, in immunocompromised patients—such as those with poorly managed diabetes—the infection can become rapidly invasive and disfiguring. The disease gained particular notoriety during the pandemic's second wave, especially in India, where an outbreak of rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis (commonly called 'black fungus') occurred in tandem with COVID-19 infections.

The spike was driven by a combination of factors: the widespread prevalence of uncontrolled diabetes, the overuse of corticosteroids to manage COVID-related inflammation, and the immunosuppressive effects of the virus itself. Over a two-month period, India reported over 40,000 cases, leading to more than 3,500 deaths and many survivors facing severe facial disfigurement.

Traditional diagnosis involves invasive biopsy sampling and laboratory culture, processes that are often slow and have limited sensitivity, delaying crucial treatment. Recognizing the urgent need for rapid diagnostics, Professor Chris Thornton of the University of Exeter’s MRC Center for Medical Mycology has developed a novel lateral-flow test capable of detecting mucormycosis within 30 minutes. The biofluid-based test uses antibodies targeting molecules secreted by the fungi, offering quick and accurate results.

A recent published study in the Journal of Clinical Microbiology demonstrated the test’s high specificity and sensitivity in diagnosing mucormycosis, marking a significant advancement in early detection. Such a rapid test could allow clinicians to initiate treatment earlier, improving survival rates and reducing disfigurement.

The test, developed by Exeter-based company ISCA Diagnostics, builds on previous successes with lateral-flow tests for other fungal infections, which are now used in hospitals across more than 32 countries. The partnership with Besançon University Hospital in France helped validate the test in diverse patient groups, confirming its ability to identify mucormycosis effectively within half an hour.

Experts like Professor Laurence Millon from France emphasize that this tool’s simplicity makes it particularly valuable for resource-limited settings lacking advanced laboratory infrastructure. As the researchers aim to commercialize the test within the next three years, its potential to transform diagnostic practices and improve patient outcomes appears promising.