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Post-COVID-19 Fungal Infection in the Aged Population

Vivek P Chavda1, Toshika Mishra2, Sathvika Kamaraj2

  • 1Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, L.M. College of Pharmacy, Ahmedabad 380009, Gujarat, India.

Vaccines
|March 30, 2023
PubMed

Insights

COVID-19 patients, particularly the elderly and immunocompromised, face a heightened risk of opportunistic fungal infections like aspergillosis and mucormycosis. This review details prevalent fungal coinfections, emphasizing prevention and diagnosis in vulnerable populations.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Mycology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by SARS-CoV-2, presents significant global health challenges.
  • COVID-19 patients, especially the elderly and immunocompromised, are susceptible to opportunistic fungal coinfections.
  • Common fungal coinfections include aspergillosis, candidiasis, and mucormycosis, with increasing incidence of rarer pathogens.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review opportunistic fungal infections in COVID-19 patients, with a focus on the elderly.
  • To understand the impact of fungal coinfections on disease severity and mortality.
  • To highlight preventive, diagnostic, and prophylactic strategies for these infections.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of opportunistic fungal infections in COVID-19 patients.
  • Analysis of prevalence, risk factors, and clinical impact of fungal coinfections.
  • Synthesis of information on prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.

Main Results:

  • Fungal coinfections significantly increase morbidity and mortality in COVID-19 patients.
  • Elderly and immunocompromised individuals are at the highest risk.
  • Fungal infections can lead to disease exacerbation and rehospitalization.

Conclusions:

  • Opportunistic fungal infections are a serious concern in COVID-19 patients, particularly the elderly.
  • Early diagnosis, prevention, and prompt management are crucial.
  • Further research into effective prophylactic and therapeutic strategies is warranted.
Keywords:
COVID-19aspergillosiscoinfectionfungal infectionsinvasive candidiasismucormycosis

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