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Risk factors for invasive mold infection after COVID-19: case-control study

Esma Eryilmaz-Eren1, Hafize Sav2, Zuhal Ozer-Simsek3

  • 1Kayseri City Training and Research Hospital, Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Kayseri, Turkey.

African Health Sciences
|April 7, 2025
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Invasive mold infections (IMI) are a serious risk for severe COVID-19 patients. Steroid use is the primary risk factor, highlighting the need for careful management in these critically ill individuals.

Area of Science:

  • Critical Care Medicine
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pulmonology

Background:

  • Invasive mold infections (IMI) pose a significant threat to patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia.
  • These infections are challenging to diagnose and treat, contributing to high mortality rates.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify key risk factors associated with the development of invasive mold infections in patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective case-control study compared patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia and IMI to those without secondary infections.
  • Demographics, treatments, and outcomes were analyzed between the groups.

Main Results:

  • The study included 20 patients with IMI and 19 controls. Invasive aspergillosis and mucormycosis were the predominant fungal infections.
  • Patients with IMI had a significantly higher 28-day mortality rate (60.0% vs. 15.8%).
  • Steroid use emerged as the most significant risk factor for IMI (90.0% vs. 15.8%, OR: 25.712).

Conclusions:

  • Judicious use of steroids, considering indication, dosage, and duration, is crucial for managing severe COVID-19 pneumonia.
  • Minimizing steroid exposure may help reduce the incidence of invasive mold infections in this vulnerable patient population.
Keywords:
COVID-19Invasive mold infectionsinvasive fungal sinusitisinvasive pulmonary aspergillosismucormycosis

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