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Recognizing the Importance of Public Health Mycology

Summary

This editorial highlights how fungal infections are a growing but overlooked global health crisis, killing about 2.5 million people annually. The paper brings together seven research articles studying different fungal diseases, from lung infections to skin conditions, showing how these diseases spread differently in different populations and how resistance to antifungal medications is increasing. The authors emphasize that better testing, treatment access, and worldwide disease tracking are urgently needed, especially in poorer countries where the burden of fungal disease is highest.

Background

Fungal diseases are emerging as a global public health concern affecting countries across all income levels. Globally, 6.5 million invasive fungal infections are recorded annually with approximately 2.5 million deaths attributed to fungal diseases. The WHO developed its first fungal priority pathogens list in 2022 to guide research, development, and public health action.

Objective

This editorial introduces a Special Issue aimed at assessing the current state of fungal diseases globally and suggesting pathways forward to curb the growing burden of fungal infections. The issue features original research and reviews on epidemiology, clinical manifestations, and management of various fungal diseases with emphasis on surveillance and diagnostic gaps.

Results

Key findings across contributions include increased PCP incidence during COVID-19 era, rising antifungal resistance in dermatophyte species, complex fungal-bacterial interactions in respiratory tract, significant differences in gastrointestinal histoplasmosis presentation between HIV-positive and HIV-negative populations, and higher coccidioidomycosis incidence in males aged 31-40 years.

Conclusion

Fungal diseases remain underrecognized despite their significant global health impact, particularly in resource-limited settings. Addressing this crisis requires strengthened surveillance, expanded access to diagnostics and antifungal therapies, mitigation of antifungal resistance through One Health approaches, and collaborative efforts among researchers, policymakers, and global health organizations.
  • Published in:Life (Basel),
  • Study Type:Editorial/Review Collection,
  • Source: 40003554
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