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The trend of imported mycoses in Japan
Katsuhiko Kamei1, Ayako Sano, Ken Kikuchi
1Research Center for Pathogenic Fungi and Microbial Toxicoses, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba 260-8673, Japan. kkamei@myco.pf.chiba-u.ac.jp
Abstract:
Pathogenic fungi that are non-native in Japan are highly virulent and present a significant health hazard to persons in the environment into which they are introduced. Little is known, however, about the precise trend of infection by imported mycoses in Japan. To clarify this issue, all available cases were collected through a search of MEDLINE and Japana Centra Revuo Medicine and analyzed. Also included in this analysis were cases not reported in the literature for which the authors provided identification of the fungi, diagnosis, or treatment. The analysis revealed that, for three diseases, the number of imported mycoses cases in Japan is much higher than previously reported: 31 cases of coccidioidomycosis, 34 cases of histoplasmosis, and 17 cases of paracoccidioidomycosis. Additionally, one case of penicilliosis marneffei was found. The most rapid increase in the incidence of these mycoses occurred from 1991 to 1995. Analysis of the patients' profiles provided the following information: (1) coccidioidomycosis infection in Japan is increasing very rapidly, (2) Japan might be an endemic area of histoplasmosis infection, (3) histoplasmosis is a potentially fatal disease; and (4) reliable serodiagnostic methods have been used only infrequently. Because of the increase of international travel and immigration, the incidence of imported mycoses in Japan is expected to continue rising, and mycoses that have never been reported in Japan, such as blastomycosis, might also be encountered in the near future. To cope with this newly emerging health problem to residents of Japan, the Japanese medical system must train its members to identify and treat mycoses.
Insights
Imported fungal infections, or mycoses, are rising in Japan, with significant increases in coccidioidomycosis and histoplasmosis cases. Enhanced medical training is crucial to manage these emerging health threats.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Infectious Diseases Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Non-native pathogenic fungi pose significant health risks in Japan.
- Limited understanding of imported mycoses trends in Japan.
- Increasing international travel and immigration contribute to the risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To clarify the precise trend of imported mycoses in Japan.
- To analyze the incidence and characteristics of fungal infections in Japan.
- To inform public health strategies for managing emerging mycoses.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature search of MEDLINE and Japana Centra Revuo Medicine.
- Inclusion of unpublished cases with provided fungal identification, diagnosis, or treatment.
- Analysis of case data and patient profiles.
Main Results:
- Identified 31 cases of coccidioidomycosis, 34 of histoplasmosis, and 17 of paracoccidioidomycosis.
- One case of penicilliosis marneffei was also documented.
- Rapid incidence increase observed between 1991 and 1995; coccidioidomycosis rising rapidly, histoplasmosis potentially endemic and fatal, and serodiagnostic methods infrequently used.
Conclusions:
- The incidence of imported mycoses in Japan is higher than previously reported and expected to rise.
- Japan may be an endemic area for histoplasmosis, a potentially fatal disease.
- The Japanese medical system requires enhanced training for mycoses identification and treatment to address this emerging health issue.