Invasive Fungal Infections More Common, Elderly and Cancer Patients Most Vulnerable

Illustration of the examination of microorganisms in the laboratory. The CDC study says invasive fungal infections are more common than previously estimated. Illustration photo: Pexels.

JAKARTA - Invasive fungal infections are actually more common than previously thought. A new study says the disease could be a serious threat, especially for the elderly, cancer patients, and people with weak immune systems.

Euronews quoted Friday, July 31, reported that the findings were published this week by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or CDC. The study sought to see how common diseases caused by invasive fungi occur.

"This is arguably the first time we've had an estimate like this," said Jeremy Gold of the CDC, the study's senior author.

According to Gold, understanding the scale of this problem is important because the risk can increase after natural disasters related to climate change, such as storms and floods.

Invasive fungal infections are diseases caused by certain fungi that can enter, attack, and damage body tissues. This disease is relatively rare, but can be life-threatening.

Most infections occur when a person inhales a fungal spore. However, fungi can also enter the body through wounds, cuts, or contaminated medical equipment.

For most people, mold spores do not cause serious health problems. The story is different for people with a weak immune system.

A weak immune system means the body is not able to fight infections as well as a healthy person. This condition can occur due to old age, cancer, or certain health conditions.

In vulnerable groups, infections can develop into severe disease. Treatment usually requires antifungal drugs for a long time.

Currently, there is no global estimate of the incidence and mortality rates of fungal diseases. The Lancet study in 2024 estimates that the global burden reaches 6.5 million invasive fungal infections and 3.8 million deaths each year.

In Europe, comprehensive registries are also not available. Invasive fungal infections are not included in the reporting obligation across the EU. Monitoring still depends on various national programs.

Gold added that the increasing elderly population also makes this issue need to be considered more seriously. The elderly are more vulnerable to diseases like this.

To see the picture of the case at the local level, the research team worked with four hospitals in the Atlanta area and affiliated outpatient clinics. They traced possible cases from 2020 to 2024.

Researchers initially found nearly 1,000 possible cases. After being screened, the number dropped to about 450 cases.

Patients who only show signs of exposure, but do not meet the criteria for invasive fungal disease, are excluded from the count.

The team found hospitals can expect three to five cases per year for every 100 hospital beds.

Higher numbers are found in large academic hospitals. These hospitals usually deal with more complex diseases.

Most of the affected patients have immune system disorders. In some cases, the patient's condition weakens after previously being infected with COVID-19.

Exposure to the fungus can occur in hospitals or other health care facilities. However, Gold said the study did not attempt to determine where each patient was first exposed.

Gold as quoted by Euronews said, this data can be a benchmark for hospital managers. That way, hospitals can assess whether their case numbers are still within the expected range or are actually leading to the possibility of an outbreak.