Healthcare-associated fungal infections and emerging pathogens during the COVID-19 pandemic

Area of Science:

• Medical Mycology
• Infectious Diseases
• Public Health

Background:

• Fungi were historically considered plant/insect pathogens due to optimal growth at 28°C, unlike bacteria (37°C).
• Increasing incidence of immunocompromised individuals, cancer therapies, and malnutrition has led to fungi emerging as significant human pathogens.
• Over 150 million severe fungal infections occur globally, resulting in over one million deaths annually.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the impact of hospital environments, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, on fungal infections.
• To discuss emerging fungal pathogens, including drug-resistant strains like *Candida auris*.
• To explore challenges with current antifungal drugs and underscore the need for novel agents.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of fungal infections, hospital environments, and antifungal drug resistance.
• Analysis of clinical data on fungal disease spectrum and mortality.
• Synthesis of information on emerging fungal pathogens and treatment challenges.

Main Results:

• Hospital environments, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, contribute to the spread of fungal infections.
• Drug-resistant fungal strains, such as *Candida auris*, pose a significant threat.
• The clinical spectrum of fungal diseases ranges from superficial to life-threatening systemic infections.

Conclusions:

• Fungal infections represent a major and increasing global health burden.
• There is an urgent need for the development of novel antifungal agents due to existing drug resistance and treatment challenges.
• Understanding the role of the hospital environment is crucial for controlling fungal infections.