Related Experiment Video

Updated: Sep 23, 2025

Histological Quantification to Determine Lung Fungal Burden in Experimental Aspergillosis
09:52

Histological Quantification to Determine Lung Fungal Burden in Experimental Aspergillosis

Published on: March 9, 2018

10.7K

Aspergillosis and Mucormycosis in COVID-19 Patients: A Systematic Review

Saira Afzal1, Mehreen Nasir1

  • 1Community Medicine, King Edward Medical University, Lahore, Pakistan.

Journal of the College of Physicians and Surgeons--Pakistan : JCPSP
|May 13, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Fungal infections like mucormycosis and aspergillosis are rising in COVID-19 patients. This review found high fatality rates, emphasizing the need for early screening to reduce deaths.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Critical Care Medicine
  • Public Health

Background:

  • The COVID-19 pandemic has seen a concerning rise in invasive fungal infections.
  • Mucormycosis and aspergillosis are serious opportunistic infections observed in COVID-19 patients.
  • Understanding risk factors and outcomes is crucial for managing these co-infections.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess risk factors associated with mucormycosis and aspergillosis in COVID-19 patients.
  • To determine the case fatality rates for these fungal infections in the context of COVID-19.
  • To evaluate the potential benefit of screening for fungal infections in critically ill COVID-19 patients.

Main Methods:

  • A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines.
  • Databases searched included Google Scholar, Pakmedinet, PubMed, and MEDLINE.
  • Data were extracted from case reports and case series of COVID-19 patients with mucormycosis or aspergillosis.

Main Results:

  • Twenty-one studies on mucormycosis identified a mean patient age of 56.3 years, with diabetes as the most common comorbidity and rhino-orbital being the primary site. Case fatality was 52%.
  • Nineteen articles on aspergillosis reported diabetes as a frequent comorbidity. The incidence in critically ill COVID-19 patients was 9.3%, with a case fatality of 51.2%.
  • Men were more frequently affected than women in both fungal infection groups.

Conclusions:

  • COVID-19 patients, particularly those with diabetes, face significant risks of mucormycosis and aspergillosis.
  • These fungal infections carry high case fatality rates, underscoring their severity.
  • Implementing screening protocols for fungal infections in critically ill COVID-19 patients may reduce morbidity and mortality.

More Related Videos

Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy-Based Quantitative Analysis of Aspergillus fumigatus Conidia Distribution in Whole-Mount Optically Cleared Mouse Lung15:01

Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy-Based Quantitative Analysis of Aspergillus fumigatus Conidia Distribution in Whole-Mount Optically Cleared Mouse Lung

Published on: September 18, 2021

3.5K
Nasal Brushing Sampling and Processing Using Digital High Speed Ciliary Videomicroscopy – Adaptation for the COVID-19 Pandemic09:03

Nasal Brushing Sampling and Processing Using Digital High Speed Ciliary Videomicroscopy – Adaptation for the COVID-19 Pandemic

Published on: November 7, 2020

5.0K

Related Concept Videos

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...
589
Pneumonia II: Pathophysiology01:29

Pneumonia II: Pathophysiology

The pathophysiology of pneumonia involves the following steps:
703
Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment01:30

Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment

Pneumonia poses the potential for numerous complications that warrant consideration. These complications include the following:
467
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...
4.3K
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...
145