More deadly fungal diseases are emerging in India, with increasing numbers of COVID-19 patients battling the condition.
Previously, "black fungus", or mucormycosis, had shown itself a threat to coronavirus sufferers.
This strain of fungus attacks the nose, eye and head, often requiring surgery.
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About 200 people are believed to have died of the disease during COVID-19's second wave in India, amid thousands of infections.
But now, a deadly "white fungus", candida auris, is also making its presence known, the BBC has reported.
Discovered relatively recently, candida auris has a mortality rate of about 70 per cent.
It is believed to be ravaging patients in India who have been treated for COVID-19 with steroids.
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While steroids can be life-saving for critical COVID-19 patients, they can also damage the immune system, providing a pathway for the fungus.
Long stays in intensive care units, of a week or more, are often also a factor, particularly if the patient spends time on a ventilator.
Candida auris can cause blood infections, along with damage to the respiratory system, internal organs, and nerves.
Yet another strain of fungus, aspergillus, can take advantage of the damage done to the body by COVID-19 to attack the respiratory system.
One medical expert told the BBC that aspergillus could affect up to just under a third of COVID-19 patients on ventilators.
Nine.com.au has contacted the Department of Health to ask if there are concerns these fungal diseases could emerge in Australia as well.
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