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Updated: Sep 26, 2025

Bio-energetics Investigation of Candida albicans Using Real-time Extracellular Flux Analysis
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COVID-19 and Plethora of Fungal Infections

Reetu Kundu1, Nidhi Singla2

  • 1Department of Cytology and Gynecological Pathology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, India.

Current Fungal Infection Reports
|April 18, 2022
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

COVID-19 patients face increased risks of fungal co-infections, including invasive candidiasis, aspergillosis, and mucormycosis. Understanding these complications is crucial for reducing patient morbidity and mortality.

Area of Science:

  • * Infectious Diseases
  • * Mycology
  • * Critical Care Medicine

Background:

  • * Severe-acute respiratory coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) causing COVID-19 has significantly impacted healthcare systems.
  • * COVID-19 presents risk factors for fungal infections such as lung injury, immunosuppression, and treatments like steroids and oxygen therapy.
  • * Emerging fungal co-infections in COVID-19 patients include COVID-19-associated Candida (CAC), COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA), and COVID-19-associated mucormycosis (CAM).

Purpose of the Study:

  • * To review and analyze the spectrum of fungal infections occurring in COVID-19 patients.
  • * To highlight the increased prevalence and severity of fungal pathogens in the context of COVID-19.
  • * To emphasize the need for heightened awareness and understanding of these co-infections.

Main Methods:

  • * This is a review article, synthesizing existing literature on fungal co-infections in COVID-19.
  • * Data was compiled from global reports and scientific literature.
  • * Analysis focused on identifying trends, risk factors, and clinical implications of fungal infections in COVID-19.

Main Results:

  • * COVID-19 creates a conducive environment for fungal infections due to host-related factors and medical interventions.
  • * Significant increases in invasive candidiasis, pulmonary aspergillosis, and mucormycosis outbreaks have been observed in COVID-19 patients.
  • * These co-infections pose a "double trouble" scenario, complicating patient management and increasing healthcare burden.

Conclusions:

  • * Increased awareness and understanding of fungal co-infections in COVID-19 are essential for improving patient outcomes.
  • * Further research is needed to elucidate the pathogenesis of these co-infections.
  • * Development of rapid diagnostic tools, effective antifungal agents, and refined management strategies are critical for the future.
Keywords:
COVID-19-associated CandidaCOVID-19-associated mucormycosisCOVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosisCorona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19)Fungal coinfectionSevere-acute respiratory coronavirus 2

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