18 October 2017 | Felix Bongomin, Sara Gago, Rita O. Oladele, David W. Denning
The article reviews the global and multi-national prevalence of fungal diseases, focusing on the accuracy of estimates for serious fungal infections. It highlights that fungal diseases affect over a billion people globally, with more than 1.5 million deaths annually. Despite their significance, fungal diseases are often neglected by public health authorities. The study discusses various fungal infections, including chronic pulmonary aspergillosis, cryptococcal meningitis, invasive candidiasis, Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia, invasive aspergillosis, disseminated histoplasmosis, fungal asthma, and fungal keratitis. The study also addresses the challenges in estimating the burden of these diseases, including the lack of national surveillance systems, poor diagnostic methods, and limited data in many countries. The article emphasizes the need for improved diagnosis and treatment to reduce mortality and morbidity from fungal infections. It also discusses the impact of factors such as HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease on the prevalence of fungal infections. The study concludes that while the global burden of fungal diseases is significant, the accuracy of estimates varies, and more research is needed to improve understanding and management of these infections.The article reviews the global and multi-national prevalence of fungal diseases, focusing on the accuracy of estimates for serious fungal infections. It highlights that fungal diseases affect over a billion people globally, with more than 1.5 million deaths annually. Despite their significance, fungal diseases are often neglected by public health authorities. The study discusses various fungal infections, including chronic pulmonary aspergillosis, cryptococcal meningitis, invasive candidiasis, Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia, invasive aspergillosis, disseminated histoplasmosis, fungal asthma, and fungal keratitis. The study also addresses the challenges in estimating the burden of these diseases, including the lack of national surveillance systems, poor diagnostic methods, and limited data in many countries. The article emphasizes the need for improved diagnosis and treatment to reduce mortality and morbidity from fungal infections. It also discusses the impact of factors such as HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease on the prevalence of fungal infections. The study concludes that while the global burden of fungal diseases is significant, the accuracy of estimates varies, and more research is needed to improve understanding and management of these infections.