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Update on invasive fungal infections in the Middle Eastern and North African region

Marwan Osman1, Aisha Al Bikai1, Rayane Rafei1

  • 1Laboratoire Microbiologie Santé et Environnement (LMSE), Doctoral School of Science and Technology, Faculty of Public Health, Lebanese University, Tripoli, Lebanon.

Brazilian Journal of Microbiology : [Publication of the Brazilian Society for Microbiology]
|July 6, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Epidemiology of invasive fungal infections (IFIs) is changing globally, particularly in high-risk groups. This review highlights scarce data from the Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) region, emphasizing the need for surveillance to improve healthcare practices.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Epidemiology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Global epidemiology of invasive fungal infections (IFIs) is evolving, with a notable rise in high-risk populations.
  • Data on IFIs in the Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) region are limited, hindering effective public health strategies.
  • Surveillance of IFIs is critical for understanding disease burden and guiding clinical management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review and synthesize existing epidemiological data on IFIs in the MENA region.
  • To identify knowledge gaps in IFIs surveillance within the MENA region.
  • To underscore the importance of epidemiological data for healthcare policy and interventions.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic review of published literature on IFIs epidemiology in the MENA region.
  • Analysis of available data on incidence, prevalence, and causative agents of IFIs.
  • Identification of trends and challenges in IFIs surveillance in the specified region.

Main Results:

  • Significant increase in IFIs observed in high-risk populations across the MENA region.
  • Scarcity of comprehensive epidemiological data and surveillance systems noted.
  • Variability in reported IFIs patterns across different countries within the MENA region.

Conclusions:

  • Urgent need for enhanced IFIs surveillance in the MENA region.
  • Data from this review can inform the development of targeted interventions and control programs.
  • Improved surveillance is essential for optimizing antimicrobial stewardship and infection prevention strategies in the region.
Keywords:
Cryptococcal meningitisHistoplasmosisInvasive aspergillosisInvasive candidiasisInvasive fungal infectionsMucormycosisPneumocystis pneumonia

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