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COVID-19 and fungal infections: Etiopathogenesis and therapeutic implications

M Chumbita, P Puerta-Alcalde1, N Garcia-Pouton

  • 1Pedro Puerta, Department of Infectious Diseases, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona. puerta@clinic.cat.

Revista Espanola De Quimioterapia : Publicacion Oficial De La Sociedad Espanola De Quimioterapia
|October 2, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Severe SARS-CoV-2 infection is frequently complicated by invasive fungal infections, particularly Aspergillus species, leading to increased mortality in critical care patients. This summary reviews the clinical presentation, associated conditions, imaging, and treatment of fungal infections in these patients.

Area of Science:

  • Critical care medicine
  • Infectious diseases
  • Mycology

Background:

  • Invasive fungal infections (IFIs) are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in critically ill patients.
  • Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection has been associated with a high incidence of IFIs, particularly invasive pulmonary aspergillosis.
  • Fungal co-infections complicate viral infections, especially in immunocompromised individuals.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To summarize the clinical presentation of fungal infections in severe SARS-CoV-2 patients.
  • To identify underlying conditions associated with fungal co-infections.
  • To describe radiological findings and therapeutic strategies for fungal infections in this population.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review and synthesis of existing data.
  • Analysis of clinical case reports and observational studies.
  • Focus on co-infection of Aspergillus species in SARS-CoV-2 patients.

Main Results:

  • Fungal co-infection, especially with Aspergillus species, is a frequent complication of severe SARS-CoV-2 infection.
  • Patients often present with specific clinical and radiological manifestations.
  • Underlying conditions such as diabetes and corticosteroid use increase risk.
  • Timely diagnosis and appropriate antifungal therapy are crucial for patient outcomes.

Conclusions:

  • Fungal infections, particularly invasive aspergillosis, represent a serious threat to patients with severe SARS-CoV-2 infection.
  • Multidisciplinary management involving infectious disease specialists is essential.
  • Further research is needed to optimize diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.

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