Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 17, 2026
Histological Quantification to Determine Lung Fungal Burden in Experimental Aspergillosis
Published on: March 9, 2018
Burden of serious fungal infections in Spain
J L Rodriguez-Tudela1, A Alastruey-Izquierdo2, S Gago1
1National Center for Microbiology, Madrid, Spain.
Abstract:
Estimates of the incidence and prevalence of serious fungal infections, based on epidemiological data, are essential in order to inform public health priorities given the lack of resources dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of these serious fungal diseases. However, epidemiology of these infections is largely unknown, except for candidaemia and cryptococcosis. The aim of this work is to calculate the burden of serious fungal infections in Spain. All published epidemiology papers reporting fungal infection rates from Spain were identified. Where no data existed, we used specific populations at risk and fungal infection frequencies in those populations to estimate national incidence or prevalence, depending on the condition. Around 8.1 million people suffer a fungal infection every year. Most of them are skin or mucosal infections causing no deaths. Candidaemia is more common than in other European countries and has risen by 1.88-fold in frequency in the last decade (8.1 cases × 100,000). Good estimates of invasive aspergillosis (2.75 cases × 100,000) and mucormycosis (0.04 × 100,000) are available. Fungal infections with a high mortality such as invasive aspergillosis, candidaemia, Pneumocystis pneumonia and mucormycosis are not numerous in Spain, but they affect those with severe underlying diseases and are therefore linked to poor outcomes. Additional studies are required, especially for high burden diseases such as recurrent thrush in women (∼9000 cases × 100,000 women), allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (126 cases × 100,000) and severe asthma with fungal sensitisation (198 cases × 100,000).
Insights
Serious fungal infections affect 8.1 million people annually in Spain. While most are not fatal, invasive fungal diseases like candidaemia are rising and require further study for public health.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Estimating the burden of serious fungal infections is crucial for public health resource allocation.
- Current epidemiological data for fungal infections in Spain is limited, except for candidiasis and cryptococcosis.
- Understanding the incidence and prevalence of these diseases is essential for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To calculate the overall burden of serious fungal infections in Spain.
- To provide updated epidemiological estimates for various fungal diseases.
- To identify areas requiring further research and public health attention.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of published epidemiological papers on fungal infections in Spain.
- Estimation of national incidence or prevalence using data from at-risk populations where direct data was unavailable.
- Inclusion of data on both common and life-threatening fungal infections.
Main Results:
- An estimated 8.1 million individuals are affected by fungal infections annually in Spain.
- Candidaemia incidence has increased by 1.88-fold in the last decade (8.1 cases per 100,000).
- Estimates for invasive aspergillosis (2.75 cases/100,000) and mucormycosis (0.04 cases/100,000) are provided, with high mortality fungal infections affecting vulnerable populations.
Conclusions:
- While not numerous, invasive fungal infections pose significant risks to individuals with underlying health conditions.
- Further research is needed for high-burden conditions like recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis, allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, and fungal sensitization in severe asthma.
- Accurate epidemiological data is vital for prioritizing public health interventions against serious fungal diseases in Spain.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Fungal Phylum Microsporidia
01:15Antifungal Agents
01:31Pulmonary Tuberculosis III
The first classification is based on the development of the disease, and it includes the following categories:
01:29Pulmonary Tuberculosis I
Causative Organism
The primary infectious agent causing tuberculosis is Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a slow-growing, acid-fast, aerobic rod that exhibits sensitivity to heat and ultraviolet light. Instances of Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium contributing to the development of TB infection are rare.
Mode of...
01:28Pulmonary Tuberculosis II
Here is a detailed explanation of its pathophysiology:
Transmission: The process begins when a person inhales droplet nuclei containing M. tuberculosis. These are typically released into the air when an individual with pulmonary or...
01:26Pulmonary Tuberculosis IV
Several diagnostic approaches are used to detect TB. The conventional method is the Tuberculin Skin Test (TST), also known as the Mantoux test. However, this method has...