London, United Kingdom – A recent systematic review published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases revealed that the global incidence and mortality from invasive fungal diseases are significantly higher than previously estimated. The review, based on data from literature published between 2010 and 2023, highlighted the alarming impact of invasive fungal infections on global health.
According to the study, over 6.55 million people worldwide are affected by invasive fungal infections annually. Among these, over 2.1 million individuals suffer from invasive aspergillosis, 1.8 million from chronic pulmonary aspergillosis, and 1.5 million from Candida bloodstream infections. These infections result in more than 3.75 million deaths each year, with 2.55 million directly attributed to fungal diseases.
Furthermore, the review shed light on the prevalence of fungal asthma, affecting approximately 11.5 million people annually and resulting in 92,000 asthma-related deaths linked to fungal allergy. The study also estimated that fungal diseases contribute to 46,000 deaths annually.
The findings of the review challenge previous mortality estimates, which ranged from 1.5 million to 2 million deaths annually. Factors contributing to the higher mortality figures include the exacerbation of existing conditions such as leukemia, lung cancer, and AIDS by fungal infections. Additionally, many fungal diseases often go undiagnosed and untreated due to limited access to diagnostic tools.
Lead author of the study, David Denning, emphasized the importance of these new estimates in enhancing health system capacities. Denning highlighted the need for improved clinical awareness, appropriate sampling, timely laboratory testing, and imaging to reduce the significant number of preventable deaths caused by fungal diseases.
In conclusion, the study underscores the urgent need for greater attention to invasive fungal infections globally and the critical role that improved diagnostic and treatment strategies could play in reducing the burden of these often overlooked diseases. By raising awareness and improving access to care, health systems can work towards preventing unnecessary mortality caused by fungal infections.