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Updated: May 24, 2026
07:42
An Ex vivo Assay to Study Candida albicans Hyphal Morphogenesis in the Gastrointestinal Tract
Published on: July 1, 2020
Invasive fungal infections in Canada from 1992 to 1994
L Nicolle1, C Rotstein, A Bourgault
1Department of Internal Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba;
Summary
Invasive fungal infections (IFIs) in Canada are primarily caused by Candida species, with varying frequencies across regions. While most IFIs have high fatality rates, therapeutic interventions require further evaluation.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Infectious Diseases Epidemiology
- Public Health Surveillance
Background:
- Invasive fungal infections (IFIs) pose a significant global health challenge.
- Understanding the epidemiology of IFIs is crucial for effective public health strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To delineate the incidence, clinical features, and outcomes of IFIs in Canada.
- To identify the primary fungal pathogens responsible for IFIs nationwide.
Main Methods:
- Utilized nominal case reporting across selected Canadian sites.
- Employed standardized data collection, primarily through laboratory reviews, supplemented by record and clinical surveillance.
Main Results:
- IFI frequency ranged from 3.54 to 6.64 cases per 100,000 population annually.
- Candida species accounted for 66% of IFIs, with 80% being bloodstream isolates.
- Cryptococcus neoformans, Aspergillus species, and Histoplasma capsulatum each represented 5-10% of cases. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection was a notable comorbidity, particularly for cryptococcal and histoplasmal infections, increasing mortality risk for the latter. Geographical variations in histoplasmosis, blastomycosis, and coccidioidomycosis were observed. Case fatality rates were high for most IFIs, excluding coccidioidomycosis, blastomycosis, and sporotrichosis.
Conclusions:
- Candida species are the predominant pathogens causing IFIs in Canada.
- Other fungal species are relatively infrequent causes of IFIs.
- Further research is needed to assess the impact of therapeutic interventions on IFI-related mortality.
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