Risk factors for fungal co-infections in critically ill COVID-19 patients, with a focus on immunosuppressants
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Date
2021
Authors
Ezeokoli, Obinna T.
Gcilitshana, Onele
Pohl, Carolina H.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
MDPI
Abstract
Severe cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) managed in the intensive care unit are prone to complications, including secondary infections with opportunistic fungal pathogens. Systemic fungal co-infections in hospitalized COVID-19 patients may exacerbate COVID-19 disease severity, hamper treatment effectiveness and increase mortality. Here, we reiterate the role of fungal co-infections in exacerbating COVID-19 disease severity as well as highlight emerging trends related to fungal disease burden in COVID-19 patients. Furthermore, we provide perspectives on the risk factors for fungal co-infections in hospitalized COVID-19 patients and highlight the potential role of prolonged immunomodulatory treatments in driving fungal co-infections, including COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA), COVID-19-associated candidiasis (CAC) and mucormycosis. We reiterate the need for early diagnosis of suspected COVID-19-associated systemic mycoses in the hospital setting.
Description
Keywords
COVID-19, Fungal co-infections, Corticosteroid treatment, COVID-19-associated candidiasis, COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis, Mucormycosis
Citation
Ezeokoli, O. T., Gcilitshana, O., & Pohl, C. H. (2021). Risk factors for fungal co-infections in critically ill COVID-19 patients, with a focus on immunosuppressants. Journal of Fungi, 7, 545. https://doi.org/10.3390/jof7070545