Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 4, 2025
07:42
An Ex vivo Assay to Study Candida albicans Hyphal Morphogenesis in the Gastrointestinal Tract
Published on: July 1, 2020
5.5K
Overview of COVID-19-Associated Invasive Fungal Infection
Akira A Shishido1, Minu Mathew1, John W Baddley1
1Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 725 West Lombard Street, Baltimore, MD 21201 USA.
Current Fungal Infection Reports
|July 18, 2022
Summary
Invasive fungal infections, including aspergillosis and mucormycosis, are serious complications in COVID-19 patients. Early diagnosis and high suspicion are crucial for managing these potentially fatal co-infections.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Mycology
- Critical Care Medicine
Background:
- Invasive fungal infections (IFIs) are increasingly recognized complications in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
- These infections can significantly worsen patient outcomes and increase mortality.
- Understanding the spectrum and risk factors of IFIs in COVID-19 is critical for timely management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the existing literature on invasive fungal infections associated with COVID-19.
- To characterize the types of fungal pathogens involved and their clinical presentations.
- To identify risk factors and diagnostic challenges in COVID-19-associated fungal diseases.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of published literature.
- Analysis of reported cases of invasive fungal infections in COVID-19 patients.
- Synthesis of data on fungal species, risk factors, and diagnostic approaches.
Main Results:
- Common IFIs include COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA) and COVID-19-associated mucormycosis (CAM).
- Other reported fungal infections include candidiasis, pneumocystosis, and non-Aspergillus molds.
- Key risk factors identified are underlying lung disease, diabetes, corticosteroid use, and immunosuppression.
Conclusions:
- Fungal pathogens pose a significant threat to patients with COVID-19, often increasing mortality.
- Diagnostic strategies for IFIs in COVID-19 are evolving and require a high index of clinical suspicion.
- Further research is needed to understand pathogenesis, optimize management, and develop prevention strategies for these co-infections.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Overview of Fungi
161
Fungi are a diverse group of eukaryotes more closely related to animals than other eukaryotes. Fungal cell walls comprise chitin, a polysaccharide that provides structural strength, and glucans, which contribute to flexibility and integrity. Other polysaccharides, such as mannans and galactosans, may supplement or replace chitin in some fungi. These adaptations, along with their preference for acidic environments and tolerance for high osmotic pressure, enable fungi to thrive in various...
161
01:28Fungal Phylum Microsporidia
108
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...
108
01:29Fungal Group Zygomycota
114
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...
114
01:26Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection
12.2K
The hosts' susceptibility to infection depends on several factors. The integrity of the skin and mucous membranes helps protect the body against microbial attacks. When the skin is altered, the chance of infection, limb loss, and even death increases.
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin...
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin...
12.2K
01:23Skin Diseases and Disorders
4.1K
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...
Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. are responsible for many of the most common skin infections. However, many...
4.1K
01:25Endocarditis I: Introduction
24
Introduction:Endocarditis is the infection of the endocardium, the inner lining of the heart and its valves. When the heart muscle is involved, the condition is termed myocarditis, while an infection of the outer lining is called pericarditis. Infective endocarditis (IE) primarily affects the endocardium, where pathogens adhere to the valves or lining, forming vegetation that can lead to severe complications. Infective endocarditis occurs when microorganisms, usually bacteria from other body...
24