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[Clinical epidemiology of fungal infection in diabetes]

Mariko Higa1

  • 1Division of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Saiseikai Yokohamashi Tobu Hospital.

Nihon Rinsho. Japanese Journal of Clinical Medicine
|December 17, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Diabetes significantly increases the risk of fungal infections, including common conditions like onychomycosis and candidiasis. Awareness is crucial as these infections can lead to severe complications in diabetic individuals.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Endocrinology
  • Mycology

Context:

  • Diabetes mellitus is a well-established risk factor for various infections.
  • Infections, including pneumonia, account for a significant portion of mortality in diabetic patients.
  • Limited data exist on the prevalence and clinical epidemiology of fungal infections in this population.

Purpose:

  • To analyze the clinical epidemiology of fungal infections in patients with diabetes.
  • To highlight the common types and potential severity of mycotic infections in diabetics.
  • To raise clinician awareness regarding fungal infections in diabetic patients.

Summary:

  • Fungal infections such as onychomycosis, oral and vulvovaginal candidiasis are frequent in diabetics.
  • Diabetic patients are prone to severe fungal infections like urinary tract candidiasis, rhinocerebral mucomycosis, and invasive otitis externa.
  • Diabetes is also a notable comorbidity in non-AIDS cryptococcosis cases.

Impact:

  • Underscores the importance of recognizing and managing fungal infections in diabetic patients.
  • Suggests that diabetic ketoacidosis is a key predisposing factor for certain severe fungal infections.
  • Emphasizes the need for heightened clinical vigilance for mycotic infections in diabetic individuals presenting with infectious diseases.

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