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The changing epidemiology of fungal infections

Cornelia Lass-Flörl1, Stephan Steixner1

  • 1Institute of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, A-6020, Innsbruck, Austria.

Molecular Aspects of Medicine
|October 7, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Invasive fungal diseases, including candidiasis and aspergillosis, are increasing in critically ill patients. Emerging fungal pathogens show resistance to antifungal drugs, a trend exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Mycology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Critical Care Medicine

Background:

  • Invasive fungal diseases (IFDs) are significant complications in immunocompromised and critically ill patients.
  • Fungal co-infections and super-infections are a growing concern, particularly candidiasis, aspergillosis, and mucormycosis.
  • Epidemiological trends indicate a rising incidence of these IFDs globally.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the increasing prevalence of IFDs in vulnerable patient populations.
  • To identify emerging trends in fungal pathogens, including non-albicans Candida and cryptic Aspergillus species.
  • To underscore the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on IFD incidence.

Main Methods:

  • Review of epidemiological data on IFDs in Europe and India.
  • Analysis of trends in causative fungal species, including shifts in Candida and Aspergillus populations.
  • Assessment of the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on IFD occurrences.

Main Results:

  • Candidiasis and aspergillosis are dominant IFDs in Europe, while mucormycosis is prevalent in India.
  • A notable increase in the incidence of these fungal infections has been observed.
  • Emergence of non-albicans Candida and cryptic Aspergillus species, potentially exhibiting antifungal resistance, is on the rise.
  • The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly increased the incidence of IFDs in hospitalized patients.

Conclusions:

  • IFDs represent a growing threat, particularly in immunocompromised individuals and those critically ill.
  • The changing landscape of fungal pathogens necessitates vigilance regarding antifungal resistance.
  • The COVID-19 pandemic has amplified the burden of IFDs, demanding urgent clinical and research attention.
Keywords:
AspergillosisCandidiasisEpidemiologyInvasive fungal diseaseMucormycosisRare fungi

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