Fungal infections have a world-wide distribution and are common, affecting more than one billion people every year.[11] An estimated 1.7 million deaths from fungal disease were reported in 2020.[12] Several, including sporotrichosis, chromoblastomycosis and mycetoma are neglected.[16]
A wide range of fungal infections occur in other animals, and some can be transmitted from animals to people.[17]
Most common mild mycoses often present with a rash.[2] Infections within the skin or under the skin may present with a lump and skin changes.[3] Less common deeper fungal infections may present with pneumonia like symptoms or meningitis.[2]
Causes
Mycoses are caused by certain fungi; yeasts, molds and some fungi that can exist as both a mold and yeast.[3][6] They are everywhere and infection occurs after spores are either breathed in, come into contact with skin or enter the body through the skin such as via a cut, wound or injection.[3]Candida albicans is the most common cause of fungal infection in people, particularly as oral or vaginal thrush, often following taking antibiotics.[3]
Risk factors
Fungal infections are more likely in people with weak immune systems.[14] This includes people with illnesses such as HIV/AIDS, and people taking medicines such as steroids or cancer treatments.[14] People with diabetes also tend to develop fungal infections.[19] Very young and very old people, also, are groups at risk.[20]
Individuals being treated with antibiotics are at higher risk of fungal infections.[21]
Children whose immune systems are not functioning properly (such as children with cancer) are at risk of invasive fungal infections.[22]
COVID-19
During the COVID-19 pandemic some fungal infections have been associated with COVID-19.[10][23][24] Fungal infections can mimic COVID-19, occur at the same time as COVID-19 and more serious fungal infections can complicate COVID-19.[10] A fungal infection may occur after antibiotics for a bacterial infection which has occurred following COVID-19.[25] The most common serious fungal infections in people with COVID-19 include aspergillosis and invasive candidiasis.[26] COVID-19–associated mucormycosis is generally less common, but in 2021 was noted to be significantly more prevalent in India.[10][27]
Mechanism
Fungal infections occur after spores are either breathed in, come into contact with skin or enter the body through a wound.[3]
Keeping the skin clean and dry, as well as maintaining good hygiene, will help larger topical mycoses. Because some fungal infections are contagious, it is important to wash hands after touching other people or animals. Sports clothing should also be washed after use.[clarification needed][citation needed]
Worldwide, every year fungal infections affect more than one billion people.[11] An estimated 1.6 million deaths from fungal disease were reported in 2017.[30] The figure has been rising, with an estimated 1.7 million deaths from fungal disease reported in 2020.[12] Fungal infections also constitute a significant cause of illness and mortality in children.[31]
According to the Global Action Fund for Fungal Infections, every year there are over 10 million cases of fungal asthma, around 3 million cases of long-term aspergillosis of lungs, 1 million cases of blindness due to fungal keratitis, more than 200,000 cases of meningitis due to cryptococcus, 700,000 cases of invasive candidiasis, 500,000 cases of pneumocystosis of lungs, 250,000 cases of invasive aspergillosis, and 100,000 cases of histoplasmosis.[32]
History
In 500BC, an apparent account of ulcers in the mouth by Hippocrates may have been thrush.[33] The Hungarian microscopist based in Paris David Gruby first reported that human disease could be caused by fungi in the early 1840s.[33]
SARS 2003
During the 2003 SARS outbreak, fungal infections were reported in 14.8–33% of people affected by SARS, and it was the cause of death in 25–73.7% of people with SARS.[34]
Other animals
A wide range of fungal infections occur in other animals, and some can be transmitted from animals to people, such as Microsporum canis from cats.[17]