Estimated burden of serious human fungal diseases in Turkey

Abstract

The current number of fungal infections occurring each year in Turkey is unknown. We estimated the burden of serious human fungal diseases based on the population at risk, existing epidemiological data from 1920 to 2017 and modelling previously described by the LIFE program (http://www.LIFE-worldwide.org). Among the population of Turkey (80.8 million in 2017), approximately 1 785 811 (2.21%) people are estimated to suffer from a serious fungal infection each year. The model used predicts high prevalences of allergic fungal rhinosinusitis episodes (312 994 cases) (392/100 000), of severe asthma with fungal sensitisation (42 989 cases) (53.20 cases/100 000 adults per year), of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (32 594 cases) (40.33/100 000), of fungal keratitis (26 671 cases) (33/100 000) and of chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (5890 cases) (7.29/100 000). The estimated annual incidence for invasive aspergillosis is lower (3911 cases) (4.84/100 000 annually). Among about 22.5 million women aged 15-50 years, recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis is estimated to occur in 1 350 371 (3342/100 000) females. The burden of three superficial fungal infections was also estimated: tinea pedis (1.79 million), tinea capitis (43 900) and onychomycosis (1.73 million). Given that the modelling estimates reported in the current study might be substantially under- or overestimated, formal epidemiological and comprehensive surveillance studies are required to validate or modify these estimates.

Identification of Cryptococcus antigen in human immunodeficiency virus‐positive Turkish patients by using the Dynamiker® lateral flow assay

“…In the present study, we attempted the first step toward determining the prevalence of asymptomatic antigenemia in Turkey and detected CrAg in 11% of HIV‐positive patients, which is an unexpectedly high rate. However, there were no CrAg‐positive individuals among HIV‐negative controls, which is consistent with the following: (a) CM is rare among immunocompetent patients; (b) HIV‐negative patients were not receiving any immunosuppressant drugs in the current study; and (c) low incidence of cryptococcosis in Turkey …”

“…In Turkey, Cryptococcus was first isolated in 1959 from a patient with intestinal infection, and only 66 registered cases of CM were reported from that time until 2017; of these cases, only 14 were patients with HIV/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) . Considering the undiagnosed and/or underreported HIV/AIDS cases and the published incidence rates, 106 patients with CM can be expected in Turkey each year (0.13/100 000 individuals) . Currently, however, there are no data on the prevalence of cryptococcal antigenemia or CrAg testing recommendations in Turkey, despite a growing number of HIV‐positive individuals.…”

Analysis on the pathogenic fungi in patients with superficial mycosis in the Northeastern China during 10 years

“…In recent years, with the wide application of broad-spectrum antibiotics, glucocorticoids, immunosuppressants and anti-tumor drugs, the possibility of secondary fungal infection in patients has increased. Therefore, fungal infection has received extensive attention (4)(5)(6). There are 1-1.5 million kinds of fungi in nature, most of which are beneficial to human beings.…”

Plant Phytochemicals in Food Preservation: Antifungal Bioactivity: A Review

“…Humans, as well as crops and livestock, are susceptible to be infected by pathogenic fungi (5,36,67). Fungi are also one of the main problems associated with food spoilage, because fungal growth on raw and processed foods produces the deterioration of their sensorial properties, rotting, off-flavor, and odor emission (70).…”