Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 30, 2025

Bio-energetics Investigation of Candida albicans Using Real-time Extracellular Flux Analysis
Published on: March 19, 2019
COVID-19 and Fungal infections: a double debacle
Sara Mina1, Hajar Yaakoub2, Cédric Annweiler3
1Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Beirut Arab University, Beirut, Lebanon.
Abstract:
Fungal infections remain hardly treatable because of unstandardized diagnostic tests, limited antifungal armamentarium, and more specifically, potential toxic interactions between antifungals and immunosuppressants used during anti-inflammatory therapies, such as those set up in critically ill COVID-19 patients. Taking into account pre-existing difficulties in treating vulnerable COVID-19 patients, any co-occurrence of infectious diseases like fungal infections constitutes a double debacle for patients, healthcare experts, and the public economy. Since the first appearance of SARS-CoV-2, a significant rise in threatening fungal co-infections in COVID-19 patients has been testified in the scientific literature. Better management of fungal infections in COVID-19 patients is, therefore, a priority and requires highlighting common risk factors, relationships with immunosuppression, as well as challenges in fungal diagnosis and treatment. The present review attempts to highlight these aspects in the three most identified causative agents of fungal co-infections in COVID-19 patients: Aspergillus, Candida, and Mucorales species.
Insights
Treating fungal infections in critically ill COVID-19 patients is challenging due to diagnostic difficulties and drug interactions. This review highlights risk factors and management strategies for common fungal co-infections.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Critical Care Medicine
- Mycology
Background:
- Fungal infections pose significant treatment challenges, especially in critically ill COVID-19 patients.
- Limited antifungal options and toxic interactions with immunosuppressants complicate co-infection management.
- The rise in fungal co-infections (e.g., Aspergillus, Candida, Mucorales) in COVID-19 patients presents a critical public health concern.
Conclusions:
- Improved management of fungal co-infections in COVID-19 patients is urgently needed.
- Addressing diagnostic and therapeutic challenges is crucial for better patient outcomes.
- Understanding risk factors and immunosuppression is key to combating these severe co-infections.
Related Concept Videos
Fungal Phylum Microsporidia
Fungal Group Zygomycota
Skin Diseases and Disorders
Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. are responsible for many of the most common skin infections. However, many...
Pulmonary Tuberculosis I
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...
Overview of Fungi
Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection
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...

