2024-01-26 17:56:40
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Two species in particular play a major role in deaths from fungal infections. Who is particularly affected and how the illness manifests itself.
Manchester – A new study from England sounds the alarm: fungal infections are spreading at a rapid pace around the world – and claiming millions of lives every year. The Manchester Fungal Infection Group at the University of Manchester provides information about this.
For comparison: In 2012, the pathogens still accounted for two million deaths. The number is now 3.8 million, meaning 6.8 percent of deaths can be attributed to fungal infections. The number has almost doubled within a decade. Researchers are concerned about these developments and the lack of treatment options.
More and more deaths from fungal infections – Aspergillus and Candida auris are particularly dangerous
Two deadly pathogens in particular, Candida auris and Aspergillus, play a major role. Candida auris is a yeast whose prevalence has increased significantly since 2016. Transmission to patients often occurs, especially in hospitals. Such an infection can be fatal for people with weakened immune systems and lung diseases.
Classic signs of a Candida auris infection include:
- Blood poisoning (sepsis)
- Fever
- chills
- Low blood pressure
- Quelle: MSD Manual
Recognize fungal disease: symptoms of aspergillosis
Aspergillus, also known as watering can mold, is a member of the mold family. It is mainly found on rotting plants and therefore spreads in compost heaps or organic waste bins. Infection occurs through inhalation of the spores, as the Robert Koch Institute informs. As with Candida auris, such an infection can be fatal for people with weakened immune systems and lung diseases.
The typical signs of so-called aspergillosis:
- Cough
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Quelle: MSD Manual
The mold Aspergillus in particular is responsible for millions of deaths every year. © Montage: Torsten Krüger/Imago
Misdiagnoses are causing more and more deaths from fungal infections
Researchers from the Manchester Fungal Infection Group clearly indicate that Aspergillus and Candida auris alone are responsible for millions of deaths each year. They suspect that the corona pandemic may have increased this number. Finally, Covid-19 and antiviral drugs reduce the immune system.
However, the options for curbing the deadly effects of the dangerous fungi are limited: According to an article by Global Data Healthcare There is a worldwide lack of diagnostic tests to detect infections. There are currently blood culture tests, but these can only identify around 40 percent of life-threatening Candida diseases. In addition, many people are not even aware of the daily danger posed by fungi. In order to at least rule out an allergy to mold, a test in an ENT practice is advisable.
There is also a lack of life-saving medication in case of an emergency. Dem Medical Journal According to him, vaccines against fungal infections are already being researched and developed by specialist teams in the USA. These could significantly reduce the number of serious illnesses and deaths in the future. But it will probably take a few years before these are approved. (asc)
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