WHO publishes first-ever list of fungal infections that pose a “major threat”

The World Health Organization published the first ever list of deadly fungi infections which pose a threat to public health.

Experts have noticed an increase in the number of deadly mushrooms diseasewith drug-resistant bacterial infections now responsible for an estimated 1.27 million deaths each year.

“Fungal pathogens are a major threat to public health as they become increasingly prevalent and resistant to treatment,” WHO said.

Infections can spread in hospitals and have become more common in the past few years.

The incidence of associated aspergillosis, candidemia and mucormycosis – also known as black fungus – has increased during the Covid pandemic.

Black fungus is a fast-moving infection that can affect someone’s lungs, brain, and sinuses and affects people with weakened immune systems.

India was particularly affected by the disease during Corona virus infection covid and it is believed that overuse of steroids used to treat severe Covid may have contributed to this.

It is believed that the increase in fungal infections in general is associated with an increase in the number of drugs that weaken the immune system.

The listed types of fungal infections often affect seriously ill patients and those who have serious problems with the immune system.

People with cancer, HIV or AIDS, organ transplant patients, chronic respiratory diseases or tuberculosis are at greatest risk.

“Coming from the shadow of the antimicrobial resistance pandemic, fungal infections are increasing and becoming more resistant to treatment, becoming a global public health challenge,” said Dr. Hanan Balhi, WHO Assistant Director-General for Antimicrobial Resistance.

More data and research is needed to understand how to treat this growing threat, WHO warned.

In its new report, the WHO warns that there is only limited access to quality diagnosis and treatment for these emerging fungal diseases.

Medicines are often unavailable in low- and middle-income countries, leading to increased mortality among these populations.

One deadly fungal pathogen, Candida auris, which is resistant to multiple drugs, is particularly difficult to eradicate in hospitals – even with intensive infection prevention measures, the WHO said.

This means that when Candida auris is detected, hospital wards often have to be closed for long periods of time.

The use of antifungal agents in agriculture also contributes to the development of dangerous diseases.

“Countries are encouraged to take a step-by-step approach, starting with strengthening laboratories and surveillance for fungal diseases and ensuring equal access to existing quality therapeutics and diagnostic tools worldwide,” added Dr. Hailiesus Getahun.