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

Summary

During the COVID-19 pandemic, fungal infections became a serious complication in hospitalized patients, especially those receiving steroids and other immune-suppressing treatments. Common fungal pathogens like Candida and Aspergillus caused dangerous coinfections, with infection rates varying significantly by region. Current antifungal medications have significant limitations including toxicity and resistance, highlighting the urgent need for new and safer antifungal treatments.

Background

Fungi are increasingly recognized as human pathogens, with over 150 million people suffering from severe fungal infections annually. The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly increased the risk of healthcare-associated fungal infections due to immunosuppressive treatments, prolonged hospitalization, and disruptions in antifungal medication supply chains.

Objective

This review summarizes the impact of hospital environments, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, on fungal infections and emerging pathogens. It examines antifungal drugs, their limitations, and the need for novel antifungal agents and therapeutic targets.

Results

The review identifies critical and high-priority fungal pathogens including Candida auris, Aspergillus fumigatus, and Cryptococcus neoformans. Fungal coinfection rates in COVID-19 ICU patients ranged from 0.55% to 49.7% across continents, with elevated mortality rates. Existing antifungal drugs face challenges including resistance, toxicity, and limited efficacy.

Conclusion

The COVID-19 pandemic has created conditions favoring increased fungal infections, particularly in hospitalized and immunocompromised patients. Novel antifungal targets such as chitin synthase, glutamate dehydrogenase, and the fungal cell membrane present promising avenues for developing safer and more effective antifungal agents.
  • Published in:Fungal Biology,
  • Study Type:Review,
  • Source: PMC10920311; PMID: 38465254
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