London, England – A recent systematic review published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases reveals that the global incidence and mortality rates of invasive fungal diseases are significantly higher than previous estimates, shedding light on the impact of these often overlooked infections.
The review, based on data from studies published between 2010 and 2023, suggests that over 6.55 million people worldwide are affected by invasive fungal infections each year. Among these, more than 2.1 million individuals suffer from invasive aspergillosis, 1.8 million from chronic pulmonary aspergillosis, and 1.5 million from Candida bloodstream infections or invasive candidiasis, contributing to a staggering 3.75 million annual deaths directly linked to these fungal diseases.
Furthermore, the review highlights the prevalence of fungal asthma, affecting approximately 11.5 million individuals annually and leading to 92,000 asthma-related deaths due to fungal allergies. These findings underscore the significant burden that invasive fungal infections place on global health systems.
Notably, mortality rates from these fungal diseases exceed prior estimates, with the review attributing the higher figures to undiagnosed and untreated cases. Many fungal infections exacerbate existing conditions like leukemia, lung cancer, and AIDS, often leading to misattributed causes of death.
David Denning, PhD, lead author of the study from the University of Manchester, acknowledges the limitations in the data and the necessity for improved clinical awareness and diagnostic tools to combat fungal diseases effectively. Denning emphasizes the importance of timely testing and accurate diagnosis to reduce the number of preventable deaths caused by these life-threatening infections.
Overall, this systematic review serves as a wake-up call to healthcare systems worldwide, urging for increased attention and resources to address the underestimated impact of invasive fungal diseases on global health. By raising awareness and implementing effective diagnostic and treatment strategies, the medical community can work towards reducing the burden of these infections and saving lives.