Document Type

Article

Publication Date

4-2022

Abstract

Background: Serious fungal infections are associated with an increase in mortality. Globally, fungal infections affect high-risk groups such as individuals with HIV/AIDS, asthma, transplant recipients, and those on immunosuppression. The most common fungal diseases include Histoplasmosis, Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP), Candidiasis, and Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA). Epidemiological information on the prevalence of fungal diseases has been limited, particularly in Central and South America due to inadequate surveillance. Purpose: The aim of this review was to evaluate the burden of common fungal diseases in Central and South America and discuss strategies of national surveillance. Methods: PubMed searches were conducted from the years 2010 to 2020 by using key words such as “fungal burden of disease,” “burden of serious fungal infections,” “histoplasmosis,” “pneumocystis,” “HIV,” “allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis”, and “candida.” The following countries were selected for the review: Guatemala, Mexico, Argentina, and Brazil. Results: The estimated rate in Central and South America for PCP was between 2.1 to 4.7 whereas the estimated rate for Histoplasmosis was between 0.91 to 3.8. The estimated rate for ABPA ranged from 36 to 261. Lastly, the estimated rate for Candidemia ranged from 5 to almost 15. These estimates were reportedly conservative. The countries reviewed currently do not have mandatory reporting of fungal infections for national surveillance. Conclusion: There is limited surveillance of serious fungal infections in Central and South America which has made it difficult to obtain accurate prevalence data. National surveillance and mandatory reporting of fungal diseases is strongly recommended in Central and South America.

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