A new article published in the Mycopathologia surmised that the fungal co-infections associated with global COVID-19 could be missed or misdiagnosed—based on the results of aretrospective analysis of SARS and influenza data from China and worldwide.

The authors stated that despite the limited available literature, COVID-19 patients, particularly those who are severely ill or immunocompromised, have a higher probability of developing invasive mycoses. Aspergillus and Candida infections in COVID-19 patients require early detection by a comprehensive diagnostic intervention—histopathology, direct microscopic examination, culture, (1,3)-β-D-glucan, galactomannan, and PCR-based assays—to ensure effective treatments.

This article emphasized upon the importance of assessment of risk factors, types of invasive mycosis, strengths and limitations of diagnostic methods, clinical settings and the need for standard or individualized treatment in COVID-19 patients.

Source: Mycopathologia. 2020 Jul 31;1-8.doi: 10.1007/s11046-020-00462-9.