Purpose of review: Invasive fungal infections are a complication of COVID-19 disease. This article reviews literature characterizing invasive fungal infections associated with COVID-19.
Recent findings: Multiple invasive fungal infections including aspergillosis, candidiasis, pneumocystosis, other non-Aspergillus molds, and endemic fungi have been reported in patients with COVID-19. Risk factors for COVID-19-associated fungal disease include underlying lung disease, diabetes, steroid or immunomodulator use, leukopenia, and malignancy. COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA) and COVID-19-associated mucormycosis (CAM) are the most common fungal infections described. However, there is variability in the reported incidences related to use of differing diagnostic algorithms.
Summary: Fungal pathogens are important cause of infection in patients with COVID-19, and the diagnostic strategies continue to evolve. Mortality in these patients is increased, and providers should operate with a high index of suspicion. Further studies will be required to elucidate the associations and pathogenesis of these diseases and best management and prevention strategies.
Keywords: Aspergillosis; COVID-19; Candidiasis; Endemic fungi; Pneumocystis; SARS-CoV-2.
© The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature 2022.