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An Ex vivo Assay to Study Candida albicans Hyphal Morphogenesis in the Gastrointestinal Tract
Published on: July 1, 2020
Trends in the epidemiology of invasive fungal infections
1Division of Foodborne, Bacterial and Mycotic Diseases, National Center for Zoonotic, Vector-Borne and Enteric Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia 30333, USA.
Abstract:
Invasive fungal infections have increased in importance, largely because of the increasing size of the population at risk. Candida species remain the fourth most important cause of hospital-acquired bloodstream infections. Infections with Candida species other than C. albicans appear to have become more common, but significant geographic variation has been reported. Invasive aspergillosis and other mould infections are a leading cause of infection-related death in hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients. Although Aspergillus fumigatus remains the most frequent cause of infection, A. terreus has emerged as an important pathogen, at least among certain populations. Despite marked reductions in the rates of AIDS-associated fungal infections, such as cryptococcosis, in the United States and other developed countries, the burden of these diseases in developing countries is large and increasing. Enhanced surveillance and reporting will be critical to improve our understanding of the importance of invasive fungal infections, to enable prioritization of research and prevention efforts, and to evaluate prevention strategies.
Insights
Invasive fungal infections are rising due to a larger at-risk population. Enhanced surveillance is crucial for understanding and combating these serious health threats globally.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Invasive fungal infections (IFIs) pose a growing global health challenge.
- Candida species are a major cause of hospital-acquired bloodstream infections.
- Mould infections, like aspergillosis, are leading causes of death in transplant recipients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the increasing importance of IFIs.
- To discuss the changing landscape of fungal pathogens.
- To emphasize the need for improved surveillance and research.
Main Methods:
- Review of current epidemiological data on IFIs.
- Analysis of trends in common fungal pathogens (Candida, Aspergillus).
- Assessment of IFI burden in different global regions and populations.
Main Results:
- Increasing incidence of IFIs linked to larger at-risk populations.
- Geographic variations in Candida species prevalence reported.
- Emergence of Aspergillus terreus as a significant pathogen in certain groups.
- High and increasing burden of AIDS-associated fungal infections in developing countries.
Conclusions:
- Invasive fungal infections represent a significant and growing public health concern.
- Understanding geographic variations and pathogen shifts is vital.
- Enhanced surveillance and reporting are critical for effective prevention and research prioritization.
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