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Serious fungal infections in the Philippines

M C R Batac1, D Denning2

  • 1University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.

European Journal of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases : Official Publication of the European Society of Clinical Microbiology
|February 22, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Serious fungal infections affect nearly 2 million people in the Philippines, with aspergillosis and candidiasis being most common. These estimates highlight the urgent need for fungal disease surveillance and improved patient care.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Mycology
  • Infectious Diseases Epidemiology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Infectious diseases, including tuberculosis, are major causes of illness in the Philippines.
  • Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevalence is increasing, alongside a growing population of immunocompromised individuals.
  • Fungal disease burden in the Philippines remains unquantified, necessitating urgent estimation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To estimate the burden of serious fungal infections in the Philippines.
  • To identify the most prevalent fungal pathogens and associated conditions.
  • To inform public health strategies and resource allocation for fungal diseases.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized the LIFE program methodology for data estimation.
  • Compiled data from WHO, UNAIDS, Philippine health statistics, and various registries.
  • Incorporated epidemiological studies and personal communications for comprehensive data.

Main Results:

  • Aspergillosis and candidiasis are the leading fungal infections.
  • Estimated 77,172 cases of chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA) and significant numbers for allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) and severe asthma with fungal sensitization (SAFS).
  • Recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC) affects over 1.4 million women; other fungal infections impact HIV-positive individuals and the general population, totaling 1,852,137 cases (1.9% of the population).

Conclusions:

  • An estimated 1.9% of the Philippine population suffers from serious fungal infections annually.
  • Aspergillosis and candidiasis represent significant public health challenges.
  • Further epidemiological studies are crucial to validate these estimates and guide clinical management and resource allocation.

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