Related Experiment Video

Updated: Oct 17, 2025

Live Imaging of Antifungal Activity by Human Primary Neutrophils and Monocytes in Response to A. fumigatus
12:29

Live Imaging of Antifungal Activity by Human Primary Neutrophils and Monocytes in Response to A. fumigatus

Published on: April 19, 2017

10.4K

Opportunistic Fungal Infection Associated With COVID-19

John Cafardi1, Douglas Haas1, Thomas Lamarre1

  • 1The Christ Hospital, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA.

Open Forum Infectious Diseases
|October 8, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Severe COVID-19 patients can develop late-onset opportunistic fungal infections like histoplasmosis and cryptococcosis, even after prolonged hospitalization. This highlights the need for vigilance against these serious secondary infections.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Mycology

Background:

  • Severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can necessitate extended hospital stays.
  • Patients with prolonged critical illness are at increased risk for secondary infections.

Observation:

  • Two cases of severe COVID-19 are presented.
  • These patients experienced prolonged hospitalization due to their critical condition.

Findings:

  • Late-onset opportunistic fungal infections, specifically histoplasmosis and cryptococcosis, were observed in these patients.
  • These fungal infections developed after the acute phase of COVID-19.

Implications:

  • This case series underscores the potential for unusual opportunistic infections following severe COVID-19.
  • Clinicians should consider screening for fungal infections in immunocompromised patients with a history of severe COVID-19 and prolonged hospitalization.
  • Early diagnosis and treatment of these fungal coinfections are crucial for improving patient outcomes.
Keywords:
COVID-19CryptococcusHistoplasmapulmonary infection

More Related Videos

Author Spotlight: Advancing Research on Candida albicans Biofilm-Associated Prosthetic Joint Infections04:37

Author Spotlight: Advancing Research on Candida albicans Biofilm-Associated Prosthetic Joint Infections

Published on: February 2, 2024

987
Th17 Inflammation Model of Oropharyngeal Candidiasis in Immunodeficient Mice08:02

Th17 Inflammation Model of Oropharyngeal Candidiasis in Immunodeficient Mice

Published on: February 18, 2015

10.1K

Related Concept Videos

Fungal Group Zygomycota01:29

Fungal Group Zygomycota

Zygomycota, previously classified as a distinct fungal group, are primarily terrestrial, saprophytic molds that play a crucial role as decomposers. Recent phylogenetic studies have revealed that these fungi are now divided into two major clades — Mucoromycota, which includes many symbiotic species, and Zoopagomycota, which primarily consists of parasitic and pathogenic fungi. These groups exhibit distinct ecological roles and reproductive strategies while sharing key structural and...
312
Pneumonia I: Introduction01:30

Pneumonia I: Introduction

Pneumonia is an acute respiratory infection that targets the lungs, specifically the alveoli. These tiny air sacs, essential for oxygen exchange, become engorged with pus and fluid, severely hindering breathing, decreasing oxygen absorption, and causing significant pain and discomfort during respiration.
Risk Factors
Various factors influence the likelihood of developing pneumonia. Age plays a crucial role, with infants, children under two, and individuals over 65 at increased risk due to their...
401
Fungal Phylum Microsporidia01:28

Fungal Phylum Microsporidia

Microsporidia are a group of obligate intracellular fungi that were initially classified as protists but were later reclassified based on phylogenetic, molecular, and structural evidence linking them to the Chytridiomycota. These unicellular, non-motile organisms are highly specialized parasites that infect a wide range of animal hosts, including humans. They have evolved extensive genomic and metabolic reductions, making them highly dependent on their hosts for survival.Morphology and Genomic...
181
Skin Diseases and Disorders01:23

Skin Diseases and Disorders

Skin is the first line of defense and encounters a variety of microbes. Some pathogenic strains are often the cause of a broad range of infections of the skin and other body systems. These conditions can affect people of all ages and may have different causes, including genetic factors, infections, autoimmune reactions, environmental factors, and lifestyle choices.
Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. are responsible for many of the most common skin infections. However, many...
4.5K
COPD: Pathogenesis and Clinical Features01:20

COPD: Pathogenesis and Clinical Features

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a group of lung conditions that progressively worsen over time, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema. This cluster of diseases collectively leads to a gradual and irreversible decline in lung function over time.
The primary cause for the onset of COPD is cigarette smoking and exposure to air pollution. These hazardous factors initiate a chain reaction within the lungs, resulting in chronic inflammation, damage to the airways, and a...
696
Pulmonary Tuberculosis I01:29

Pulmonary Tuberculosis I

Tuberculosis, often called TB, is a contagious illness primarily caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It mainly affects the lung parenchyma but can also impact other body parts.
Causative Organism
The primary infectious agent causing tuberculosis is Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a slow-growing, acid-fast, aerobic rod that exhibits sensitivity to heat and ultraviolet light. Instances of Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium contributing to the development of TB infection are rare.
Mode of...
418