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Emerging and re-emerging fungal threats in Africa

Rachael Dangarembizi1,2,3, Sean Wasserman4,5, Jennifer Claire Hoving3,4,6

  • 1Division of Physiological Sciences, Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.

Parasite Immunology
|September 29, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Deadly fungal infections in Africa are rising due to HIV, poor healthcare, and few antifungal drugs. This review covers emerging fungal threats, their impact, and management strategies to improve patient outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Mycology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health in Africa

Background:

  • High burden of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections compromises immunity, increasing susceptibility to opportunistic fungal pathogens.
  • Limited access to quality healthcare and a scarcity of effective antifungal medications exacerbate the risk and impact of fungal diseases in Africa.
  • Emerging fungal threats, including Emergomyces spp., Histoplasma spp., Blastomyces spp., and multidrug-resistant Candida auris, pose significant public health challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the epidemiology and clinical manifestations of emerging fungal diseases in Africa.
  • To discuss current management strategies for invasive fungal infections on the continent.
  • To identify knowledge, policy, and research gaps to guide future interventions.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of emerging fungal diseases in Africa.
  • Analysis of epidemiological trends and clinical presentations.
  • Evaluation of current treatment guidelines and antifungal drug availability.

Main Results:

  • Cryptococcus neoformans and Pneumocystis jirovecii are significant opportunistic pathogens in immunocompromised individuals.
  • Emergomyces, Histoplasma, Blastomyces, and Candida auris represent growing fungal threats with diverse clinical impacts.
  • Socioeconomic factors and the COVID-19 pandemic may influence the changing landscape of invasive fungal diseases.

Conclusions:

  • Urgent need for improved diagnostics, accessible treatments, and antifungal stewardship in Africa.
  • Addressing underlying factors like HIV and healthcare access is crucial for controlling fungal infections.
  • Further research is required to develop novel therapies and refine public health strategies against emerging fungal diseases.
Keywords:
dimorphic fungal pathogensemerging fungifungal pathogensopportunistic fungal infections

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