Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 26, 2025

An Ex vivo Assay to Study Candida albicans Hyphal Morphogenesis in the Gastrointestinal Tract
Published on: July 1, 2020
An overview of opportunistic fungal infections associated with COVID-19
Navidita Kangabam1, V Nethravathy1
1, Rukmini Knowledge Park, Kattigenehalli, Yelahanka, Bengaluru, 560064 India Department of Biotechnology, School of Applied Sciences, REVA University.
Abstract:
The COVID-19 survivors and long-term steroid administered patients exhibit a variety of fungal co-infections. The lives of COVID-19 patients and survivors are hampered by fungal species of the genera Candida, Aspergillus, and Mucor. There have been cases of mucormycosis, aspergillosis, and candidiasis in COVID-19 patients. The treatments given to these opportunistic fungal infections include polyene like amphotericin B, azoles including imidazoles like ketoconazole, miconazole, and triazoles like fluconazole, voriconazole, itraconazole, Echinocandin derivatives like- caspofungin, micafungin, immunomodulatory therapy, granulocyte transfusion, etc. A successful recovery and the reduction of fatalities depend on prompt diagnosis and treatment. To reduce mortality, advanced techniques to identify such uncommon infections at a very early stage are necessary. This review's goal is to provide a summary of the systemic and superficial opportunistic fungal infections that the COVID-19 survivors were dealing with, including information on illness incidence, pathogenicity, and treatment.
Insights
COVID-19 survivors face fungal co-infections like candidiasis, aspergillosis, and mucormycosis. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for recovery and reducing fatalities from these opportunistic infections.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- COVID-19 Research
Background:
- COVID-19 survivors and patients on long-term steroids are susceptible to opportunistic fungal co-infections.
- Fungal species including *Candida*, *Aspergillus*, and *Mucor* genera cause significant morbidity in these patients.
- Reported cases include mucormycosis, aspergillosis, and candidiasis, complicating COVID-19 recovery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review systemic and superficial opportunistic fungal infections in COVID-19 survivors.
- To summarize the incidence, pathogenicity, and treatment of these fungal co-infections.
- To highlight the need for advanced diagnostic techniques for early detection and mortality reduction.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of opportunistic fungal infections in COVID-19 survivors.
- Analysis of reported cases, incidence, and pathogenicity.
- Compilation of current and emerging treatment strategies.
Main Results:
- Identified *Candida*, *Aspergillus*, and *Mucor* as key fungal pathogens.
- Detailed common fungal infections such as mucormycosis, aspergillosis, and candidiasis.
- Summarized various treatment modalities including polyenes, azoles, echinocandins, and immunomodulatory therapies.
Conclusions:
- Prompt diagnosis and effective treatment are essential for managing fungal co-infections in COVID-19 survivors.
- Advanced diagnostic tools are necessary for early identification and improved patient outcomes.
- Understanding the spectrum of these infections is critical for reducing mortality and improving recovery rates.
Related Concept Videos
Fungal Group Zygomycota
Fungal Phylum Microsporidia
Pneumonia I: Introduction
Risk Factors
Various factors influence the likelihood of developing pneumonia. Age plays a crucial role, with infants, children under two, and individuals over 65 at increased risk due to their...
Skin Diseases and Disorders
Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. are responsible for many of the most common skin infections. However, many...
Overview of Fungi
COPD: Pathogenesis and Clinical Features
The primary cause for the onset of COPD is cigarette smoking and exposure to air pollution. These hazardous factors initiate a chain reaction within the lungs, resulting in chronic inflammation, damage to the airways, and a...

