Enfermedades infecciosas clínicas: acceso abierto

Invasive Fungal Diseases: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Sandra Soriano

Invasive Fungal Diseases (IFDs) represent a significant burden on global healthcare systems, posing substantial challenges in diagnosis, treatment and prevention. Fungi, ubiquitous in nature, can become opportunistic pathogens, particularly in individuals with weakened immune systems. IFDs have been on the rise in recent decades, primarily due to the increasing number of immunocompromised patients, such as those with HIV/AIDS, cancer undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients and individuals receiving prolonged corticosteroid therapy. Additionally, advances in medical technology, including invasive procedures and broad-spectrum antimicrobial use, contribute to the growing incidence of IFDs. Geographically, the prevalence of specific fungal pathogens varies. Candida species are the most common cause of IFDs worldwide, with Candida albicans being the predominant species. Aspergillus species, including Aspergillus fumigatus, are prevalent in environmental sources and cause invasive aspergillosis, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. Other fungi implicated in IFDs include Cryptococcus neoformans, Histoplasma capsulatum and Mucorales species.