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Estimated Burden of Fungal Infections in Oman
Abdullah M S Al-Hatmi1,2,3, Mohammed A Al-Shuhoumi4, David W Denning5
1Department of microbiology, Natural & Medical Sciences Research Center, University of Nizwa, Nizwa 616, Oman.
Abstract:
For many years, fungi have emerged as significant and frequent opportunistic pathogens and nosocomial infections in many different populations at risk. Fungal infections include disease that varies from superficial to disseminated infections which are often fatal. No fungal disease is reportable in Oman. Many cases are admitted with underlying pathology, and fungal infection is often not documented. The burden of fungal infections in Oman is still unknown. Using disease frequencies from heterogeneous and robust data sources, we provide an estimation of the incidence and prevalence of Oman's fungal diseases. An estimated 79,520 people in Oman are affected by a serious fungal infection each year, 1.7% of the population, not including fungal skin infections, chronic fungal rhinosinusitis or otitis externa. These figures are dominated by vaginal candidiasis, followed by allergic respiratory disease (fungal asthma). An estimated 244 patients develop invasive aspergillosis and at least 230 candidemia annually (5.4 and 5.0 per 100,000). Only culture and microscopy are currently available for diagnosis, so case detection is suboptimal. Uncertainty surrounds these figures that trigger the need for urgent local epidemiological studies with more sensitive diagnostics.
Insights
Serious fungal infections affect an estimated 79,520 people annually in Oman, highlighting a significant public health concern. This study estimates fungal disease burden, revealing high rates of vaginal candidiasis and allergic respiratory disease.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Fungi are significant opportunistic pathogens causing superficial to fatal disseminated infections.
- Fungal diseases are not reportable in Oman, leading to under-documentation and unknown disease burden.
- Existing diagnostic methods (culture, microscopy) are suboptimal for case detection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To estimate the incidence and prevalence of serious fungal infections in Oman.
- To identify the most common fungal diseases affecting the Omani population.
- To highlight the need for improved epidemiological studies and diagnostics.
Main Methods:
- Utilized heterogeneous and robust data sources to estimate disease frequencies.
- Calculated annual incidence and prevalence rates for various fungal infections.
- Excluded fungal skin infections, chronic fungal rhinosinusitis, and otitis externa from primary estimates.
Main Results:
- An estimated 79,520 people (1.7% of the population) are affected by serious fungal infections annually.
- Vaginal candidiasis and allergic respiratory disease (fungal asthma) are the most prevalent conditions.
- Estimated 244 cases of invasive aspergillosis and 230 of candidemia annually (5.4 and 5.0 per 100,000, respectively).
Conclusions:
- Fungal infections represent a substantial, yet underestimated, health burden in Oman.
- Urgent need for local epidemiological studies using sensitive diagnostics to accurately determine the burden of fungal diseases.
- Current diagnostic limitations hinder effective disease surveillance and management.
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