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A groundbreaking global study has found that annual deaths from fungal diseases have surged to 3.75 million worldwide, doubling the previous estimate. The research, published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases, highlights the growing and often overlooked threat posed by fungal infections.
The study analyzed data from over 80 countries and estimated that 6.55 million acute fungal disease cases occur annually. The updated mortality figures indicate that fungal diseases now kill six times more people than malaria and nearly three times as many as tuberculosis. Alarmingly, approximately 68% of these deaths were directly caused by fungal infections, while 1.2 million deaths were attributed to other underlying diseases with fungal infections contributing significantly.
Among the findings, researchers noted that pulmonary tuberculosis may have been responsible for 1.2 million deaths in 2019, with about 340,000 (28%) potentially linked to fungal disease. Additionally, Candida, a dangerous fungal infection, remains a major concern in intensive care units, affecting complex surgical patients, individuals with diabetes, cancer patients, those with renal failure, and premature infants.
Growing Concern Over Fungal Infections
Medical experts warn that the rising fungal disease burden demands urgent global attention. Factors such as climate change, increasing antimicrobial resistance, and immunosuppressive conditions contribute to the growing threat. Despite the alarming mortality rates, fungal diseases often receive less recognition compared to bacterial and viral infections.
Health authorities and researchers stress the need for increased investment in fungal disease research, improved diagnostic capabilities, and the development of more effective antifungal treatments to curb the rising mortality rates.
Disclaimer:
This article is based on findings from the referenced study and is for informational purposes only. Readers should consult healthcare professionals for medical advice and further information on fungal diseases.
(Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2024-01-deaths-fungal-disease-globally.html)
