On October 25, local time, the World Health Organization issued a warning that the risk of people being infected by fungi is soaring due to the new crown pneumonia epidemic, increased fungal drug resistance and the increase in immunocompromised patients. In response to this rising threat, WHO has published a "list of fungal pathogens" of 19 deadly fungi. The list divides these 19 dangerous fungal pathogens into three priorities to aid disease research and drug development.
"Fungi are 'forgotten' infectious diseases. They can lead to devastating consequences, but have been so neglected for so long that we hardly understand the magnitude of the problem. Dr Justin Beardsley, of the Institute of Infectious Diseases at the University of Sydney, who led the study, said in a statement.
In this list published by the WHO, quite a few fungi may surprise people. The four most dangerous fungi have been reported: Cryptococcus neoformans, Aspergillus fumigatus, Candida albicans and Candida aurus.
↑ 4 most dangerous fungi
Once the immune system is weakened
You can be infected with fungi
According to reports, if infected, the fatality rate of the first pathogen, Cryptococcus neoforma, is 41%-61%. Aspergillus fumigatus, which is resistant to azoles, has a lethality rate of 47-88%, with some studies even reporting a mortality rate of 100%. Invasive candidiasis is also high in mortality between 20% and 50%. Patients with C. auriculi infection have a mortality rate of 29% to 53%.
These infectious fungi are usually opportunistic pathogens. When healthy, humans can coexist with it, but when the immune system weakens, they can become infected. Michelle Momani, a researcher in the field of fungi at the University of Georgia, said the current study estimates that "each of us inhales 10 to 100 Aspergillus fumigatus spores per day," and while intact human immune systems are easy to defend against, those with weakened immunity are unable to defend against these fungal pathogens.
Vikram Trivedi, a 38-year-old Indian lawyer, was not overly worried after contracting the coronavirus. But soon, the "black fungus" invasive fungus eroded his immunocompromised body. To save his life, his left eyeball, most of his sinuses and palate were removed. In a way, he was "lucky". It is said that during the second wave of the new coronavirus epidemic in India in 2021, more than 4,000 people died from fungal infections after contracting the new coronavirus.
↑ Vikram Trivedi, a surviving Indian lawyer
Fungi are becoming more and more resistant
is becoming a global public health problem
"Some top estimates suggest that at least 1.5 million deaths a year are caused by invasive fungal infections. This is the same level as malaria. But people don't look at fungal diseases in the same way. Momani said.
The deadly fungus is reportedly infecting more Americans. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says more than 75,000 people are hospitalized each year in the U.S. for fungal infections. At least 7,000 people died from fungal infections in the United States in 2021, compared to 450 in 1969.
Hanan Balkshi, WHO Assistant Secretary-General for Antimicrobial Resistance, has called for increased awareness of fungal infections. "Fungal infections are increasing, [fungi] are becoming more resistant to therapeutic drugs, and this is becoming a global public health problem," he said. ”
Red Star News reporter Wang Yalin intern Deng Shuyi
Responsible editor Ren Zhijiang Editor Pan Li
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