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Updated: May 24, 2026
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;
Purpose:
To describe the frequency, characteristics and impact of invasive fungal infection in Canada.
Methods:
Nominal case reporting with standardized data collection from selected sites across Canada. Cases were found primarily through laboratory review with supplementation by record review and clinical surveillance at some sites.
Results:
The frequency of invasive fungal infection varied from 3.54 to 6.64/100,000 population per year. Candida species were responsible for 66% of all reports; 80% of candidal infections were bloodstream isolates. Crytococcus neoformans, Aspergillus species and Histoplasma capsulatum each accounted for 5% to 10% of cases, and all other organisms less than 5% each. Human immunodeficiency virus infection was an important comorbidity for cryptococcus and histoplasma infections, and was associated with increased mortality for only histoplasma infections. Geographical variation of histoplasma, blastomyces and coccidioidomyces infection was confirmed. Case fatality was high for all invasive fungal infections, except coccidioidomycosis, blastomycosis and sporotrichosis.
Conclusions:
Candida species infections are the major pathogens in invasive fungal infections in Canada; all other species occur relatively infrequently. The potential for therapeutic intervention to limit mortality requires further assessment.
Insights
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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