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Opportunistic fungal infections in the Asia-Pacific region

Monica A Slavin1, Arunaloke Chakrabarti

  • 1Department of Infectious Diseases, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. monica.slavin@petermac.org

Medical Mycology
|September 13, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Invasive fungal infections (IFIs) pose a growing public health threat in the Asia-Pacific due to rising immunosuppressed populations. This review highlights the urgent need for better understanding and management of IFIs in the region.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Mycology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Asia-Pacific countries face challenges in infection control and diagnostics, impacting public health.
  • Opportunistic invasive fungal infections (IFIs) are a significant concern, with increasing incidence due to medical advancements and HIV.
  • The epidemiology of IFIs in the Asia-Pacific region is poorly understood, despite high morbidity and mortality.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent findings on the epidemiology of clinically significant opportunistic fungal infections in the Asia-Pacific.
  • To increase recognition of invasive mycoses in the region.
  • To highlight the impact of factors like diabetes on IFI prevalence.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent findings on IFIs in the Asia-Pacific.
  • Focus on clinically significant opportunistic mould and yeast infections.
  • Analysis of epidemiological data for infections like aspergillosis, candidiasis, and mucormycosis.

Main Results:

  • IFI incidence is rising in the Asia-Pacific, linked to increased immunosuppressed patient populations.
  • Conditions like mucormycosis are associated with undiagnosed or untreated diabetes, a growing epidemic in the region.
  • Despite available treatments, IFIs contribute significantly to patient morbidity and mortality.

Conclusions:

  • There is a critical need for improved understanding and surveillance of IFIs in the Asia-Pacific.
  • Addressing underlying conditions like diabetes is crucial for managing IFI prevalence.
  • Enhanced diagnostic and treatment strategies are essential to reduce the burden of IFIs in the region.

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