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Recent Trends in the Epidemiology of Fungal Infections
Emma E Seagle1, Samantha L Williams1, Tom M Chiller2
1ASRT, Inc, 4158 Onslow Pl, Smyrna, GA 30080, USA; Mycotic Diseases Branch, Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road Northeast, Atlanta, GA 30329-4018, USA.
Abstract:
The breadth of fungi causing human disease and the spectrum of clinical presentations associated with these infections has widened. Epidemiologic trends display dramatic shifts with expanding geographic ranges, identification of new at-risk groups, increasing prevalence of resistant infections, and emergence of novel multidrug-resistant pathogenic fungi. Certain fungi have been transmitted between patients in clinical settings. Major health events not typically associated with mycoses resulted in larger proportions of the population susceptible to secondary fungal infections. Many health care-related, environmental, and socioeconomic factors have influenced these epidemiologic shifts. This review summarizes updates to clinically significant fungal pathogens in North America.
Insights
Human fungal infections are increasing in number and severity, with new resistant strains emerging. Public health events and healthcare factors contribute to these growing challenges in North America.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
Background:
- The range of fungal pathogens causing human disease is expanding.
- Epidemiologic trends show increasing prevalence of resistant fungal infections and novel multidrug-resistant fungi.
- Major health events have increased population susceptibility to secondary fungal infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize recent updates on clinically significant fungal pathogens in North America.
- To highlight shifts in fungal disease epidemiology.
- To discuss factors influencing these changes.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on fungal pathogens and infections.
- Analysis of epidemiological trends in North America.
- Synthesis of information on clinical presentations and risk factors.
Main Results:
- Widening spectrum of fungal diseases and clinical presentations.
- Identification of new at-risk populations and expanding geographic ranges.
- Emergence of multidrug-resistant fungal strains and patient-to-patient transmission.
Conclusions:
- Clinically significant fungal pathogens in North America are evolving.
- Healthcare, environmental, and socioeconomic factors are driving these epidemiological shifts.
- Ongoing vigilance and research are crucial for managing fungal infections.
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