J Mycol Infect.
2024 Jun;29(2):41-47. 10.17966/JMI.2024.29.2.41.
Epidemiology, the Impact of COVID-19, and the Mycological Approach in Invasive Mold Infection
- Affiliations
-
- 1Department of Laboratory Medicine, International St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, Catholic Kwandong University, Incheon, Korea
- 2Translational Research Division, Biomedical Institute of Mycological Resource, Catholic Kwandong University, Incheon, Korea
- 3Department of Convergence Science, College of Medicine, Catholic Kwandong University, Gangneung, Korea
- KMID: 2563164
- DOI: http://doi.org/10.17966/JMI.2024.29.2.41
Abstract
- Invasive fungal infections are a significant health challenge worldwide. Although invasive yeast infections are more prevalent, invasive mold infections (IMIs), such as Aspergillus spp., Mucorales, and Fusarium spp., are rising. The increase in IMIs is attributed to various factors, such as transplantation, aggressive treatments, invasive medical devices, and the emergence of new at-risk populations, such as patients with influenza and SARS-CoV-2-associated aspergillosis. The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer and the Mycosis Study Group initially provided definitions based on host and clinical factors, including radiological findings and mycological evidence. The recent 2020 updates of the definitions state that a case confirmed by microscopy, histopathology, and culture from a sterile site is "proven"; however, regarding mycological criteria, this guideline introduced revised thresholds for the galactomannan assay based on sample types, excluded the 1,3-β-D-glucan detection assay, and acknowledged positive Aspergillus polymerase chain reaction tests from serum, plasma, or bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. The current diagnostic approach improves the accuracy and timeliness of diagnosing fungal infections and facilitates more effective patient management.
