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Recognizing the Importance of Public Health Mycology

Summary

Fungal infections are becoming a major global health problem, causing millions of cases and deaths each year, especially in people with weakened immune systems. Different types of fungal infections like aspergillosis and candidiasis are becoming harder to treat because fungi are developing resistance to antifungal medications. The editorial emphasizes that better diagnosis, treatment access, and disease tracking are needed worldwide to combat this growing threat.

Background

Fungal diseases represent an emerging global public health concern affecting high-, low-, and middle-income countries. Globally, 6.5 million invasive fungal infections are recorded annually with approximately 2.5 million deaths attributed to fungal diseases, particularly among immunocompromised individuals.

Objective

This editorial aims to highlight the growing global health threat of fungal infections and the critical need to prioritize public health mycology. It presents a special issue featuring contributions on the epidemiology, clinical manifestations, and management of various fungal diseases.

Results

The compiled articles reveal increasing incidence of fungal infections during COVID-19 era, rising antifungal resistance among dermatophytes and Aspergillus species, complex fungal-bacterial interactions in the respiratory tract, and significant gaps in diagnostics and treatment access in resource-limited settings.

Conclusion

Fungal diseases remain underrecognized despite significant global health impact. Strengthening fungal disease surveillance, expanding access to diagnostics and antifungal therapies, and implementing a One Health approach are essential to address the growing burden of fungal infections.
  • Published in:Life,
  • Study Type:Editorial/Review,
  • Source: 40003554
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