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Coronavirus Disease 2019-Associated Invasive Fungal Infection

John W Baddley1, George R Thompson2, Sharon C-A Chen3

  • 1Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine and Baltimore Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.

Open Forum Infectious Diseases
|December 8, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Secondary invasive fungal infections (IFIs) complicate COVID-19 due to lung damage and immune deficits. This review examines the epidemiology, diagnosis, and management of these challenging fungal infections in COVID-19 patients.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Mycology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pulmonology

Background:

  • COVID-19 can lead to secondary invasive fungal infections (IFIs).
  • Risk factors include lung damage, immune deficits, diabetes, and comorbidities.
  • IFI is increasingly recognized after severe respiratory viral illnesses, similar to influenza.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review IFIs complicating COVID-19.
  • To address knowledge gaps in epidemiology, diagnosis, and management.
  • To highlight the challenges and poor outcomes associated with these infections.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on fungal infections in COVID-19 patients.
  • Analysis of reported cases and incidence variations.
  • Discussion of diagnostic and management challenges.

Main Results:

  • COVID-19-associated IFIs include aspergillosis, mucormycosis, candidiasis, and endemic mycoses.
  • Incidence varies due to differences in patient populations, surveillance, and definitions.
  • These infections present diagnostic challenges and are linked to adverse outcomes.

Conclusions:

  • IFIs are a significant complication of COVID-19.
  • Further research is needed to improve understanding of epidemiology, diagnosis, and management.
  • Standardized approaches are crucial for better patient outcomes.
Keywords:
AspergillusCOVID-19PneumocystisSARS-CoV-2candidiasisendemic fungi

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