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Emerging fungal diseases

Marcio Nucci1, Kieren A Marr

  • 1University Hospital, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Clinical Infectious Diseases : an Official Publication of the Infectious Diseases Society of America
|July 20, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Invasive fungal infections are changing, with non-Candida yeasts and non-Aspergillus molds becoming more common in immunocompromised patients due to host factors and medical interventions.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Mycology
  • Infectious Diseases Epidemiology
  • Immunocompromised Host Infections

Background:

  • The landscape of invasive fungal infections (IFIs) is shifting.
  • Non-albicans Candida yeasts and non-fumigatus Aspergillus molds are increasingly implicated in IFIs.
  • Severely immunocompromised patients are at heightened risk.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the evolving epidemiology of emerging fungal infections.
  • To identify factors contributing to the rise of these infections.
  • To discuss the clinical and practical implications of these epidemiological changes.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent epidemiological data on IFIs.
  • Analysis of factors influencing the emergence of fungal pathogens.
  • Discussion of impact on specific patient populations.

Main Results:

  • Emergence of yeasts beyond Candida albicans and molds beyond Aspergillus fumigatus as significant pathogens.
  • Changes in host factors, including increased severity and types of immunosuppression, are key drivers.
  • Epidemiological shifts observed in organ transplant recipients, neonates, and critically ill patients.

Conclusions:

  • The epidemiology of IFIs is dynamic, driven by host and iatrogenic factors.
  • Understanding these shifts is crucial for managing infections in vulnerable populations.
  • Proactive strategies are needed to address the changing spectrum of IFIs.

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