Hospitalizations for endemic mycoses: a population-based national study

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Mycology
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Endemic mycoses are fungal infections prevalent in specific geographic regions.
• Understanding the epidemiology of these infections is crucial for public health.
• Hospitalization data provides insight into the burden of severe endemic mycoses.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the incidence and epidemiology of endemic mycoses requiring hospitalization in the United States.
• To analyze demographic patterns and outcomes of hospitalized patients with endemic mycoses.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective cohort study utilizing the 2002 Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) database.
• Analysis of hospital inpatient stays to identify cases of endemic mycoses.
• Calculation of incidence rates per million population for pediatric and adult patients.

Main Results:

• An estimated 332 pediatric and 6003 adult patients were hospitalized for endemic mycoses in 2002.
• Incidence rates were 4.6 cases per 1 million children and 28.7 cases per 1 million adults.
• Crude mortality rates were 5% for children and 7% for adults.

Conclusions:

• Hospitalization for endemic mycoses is uncommon but associated with substantial mortality.
• Epidemiological data highlights the need for targeted prevention and treatment strategies.
• Further research into risk factors and outcomes is warranted.