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Review
. 2022;16(3):87-97.
doi: 10.1007/s12281-022-00434-0. Epub 2022 Jul 11.

Overview of COVID-19-Associated Invasive Fungal Infection

Akira A Shishido  1 , Minu Mathew  1 , John W Baddley  1
Affiliations
Review

Overview of COVID-19-Associated Invasive Fungal Infection

Akira A Shishido et al. Curr Fungal Infect Rep. 2022.

Abstract

Purpose of review: Invasive fungal infections are a complication of COVID-19 disease. This article reviews literature characterizing invasive fungal infections associated with COVID-19.

Recent findings: Multiple invasive fungal infections including aspergillosis, candidiasis, pneumocystosis, other non-Aspergillus molds, and endemic fungi have been reported in patients with COVID-19. Risk factors for COVID-19-associated fungal disease include underlying lung disease, diabetes, steroid or immunomodulator use, leukopenia, and malignancy. COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA) and COVID-19-associated mucormycosis (CAM) are the most common fungal infections described. However, there is variability in the reported incidences related to use of differing diagnostic algorithms.

Summary: Fungal pathogens are important cause of infection in patients with COVID-19, and the diagnostic strategies continue to evolve. Mortality in these patients is increased, and providers should operate with a high index of suspicion. Further studies will be required to elucidate the associations and pathogenesis of these diseases and best management and prevention strategies.

Keywords: Aspergillosis; COVID-19; Candidiasis; Endemic fungi; Pneumocystis; SARS-CoV-2.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of InterestAAS: No conflicts. MM: No conflicts. JWB: has received consulting fees from Pfizer and Lilly for serving on data safety committees.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Proposed factors and mechanisms of invasive fungal disease in COVID-19 patients. Created with BioRender.com
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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