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Informing the World Health Organization Fungal Priority Pathogens List (WHO-FPPL): A collection of systematic reviews

Summary

The World Health Organization created a priority list of dangerous fungal infections affecting millions of people globally each year. Experts reviewed 19 different fungal pathogens and ranked them by how dangerous they are and how much they need research and treatment development. The list identifies which fungal infections should get the most attention from doctors, researchers, and public health officials to improve patient outcomes and reduce deaths.

Background

Invasive fungal diseases are increasing globally with an annual incidence of 6.5 million infections and 3.8 million deaths. Under-recognition and under-investment in fungal diseases have challenged health care planning. In 2022, the WHO published the first Fungal Priority Pathogens List to increase awareness and guide research priorities.

Objective

To conduct 14 systematic reviews of 19 fungal pathogens/fungal infections according to predefined WHO criteria to inform the development of the WHO Fungal Priority Pathogens List and identify research and public health priorities.

Results

Pathogens were ranked into three priority groups: critical (4 pathogens including Candida auris, Cryptococcus neoformans, Aspergillus fumigatus), high (10 pathogens), and moderate priority (8 pathogens). Key learnings identified gaps in knowledge, treatment access, and need for more effective antifungal treatments.

Conclusion

The systematic reviews and WHO-FPPL provide evidence-based guidance for health care planning and research priorities. Three key action areas are improved surveillance of fungal disease, enhanced public health interventions and health infrastructure, and targeted support for antifungal drug development and innovation.
  • Published in:Medical Mycology,
  • Study Type:Systematic Reviews Collection,
  • Source: PMID: 38935908, DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myae046
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