Fungal infections in Algeria.

Area of Science:

• Medical Mycology
• Infectious Diseases Epidemiology
• Public Health in Algeria

Background:

• Invasive and superficial fungal infections are rising in Algeria, linked to increased risk factors and diagnostic capabilities, primarily in university hospitals.
• Diagnostic tools are more advanced in major northern cities compared to inland healthcare facilities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To estimate the prevalence and incidence of fungal diseases in Algeria.
• To highlight challenges in diagnosing and reporting fungal infections within the country.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature search of published and grey literature was conducted.
• Prevalence and incidence were estimated using deterministic modeling based on at-risk populations.
• Data on population, risk groups, and health services were sourced from UNAIDS, WHO, international registries, and national documentation.

Main Results:

• Algeria's population of 43.6 million faces significant fungal disease burden, including over 1.5 million cases of tinea capitis and over 500,000 of recurrent vaginal candidiasis.
• High-risk invasive fungal infections include an estimated 774 cases of Pneumocystis pneumonia in AIDS patients, 361 of cryptococcal meningitis, 2,272 of candidaemia, and 2,639 of invasive aspergillosis annually.
• Other significant conditions include allergic fungal lung/sinus disorders (>110,000), chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (>10,000), and fungal keratitis affecting over 6,000 eyes yearly.

Conclusions:

• Fungal infections in Algeria are often underestimated, with diagnosis typically pursued only after bacterial infections, despite the need for parallel investigation.
• Access to diagnosis is limited to large urban hospitals, and limited publication of mycology work complicates burden assessment.
• There is a critical need to improve diagnostic accessibility and reporting for fungal diseases across Algeria.