A study by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention showed that infection with COVID-19 increases the risk of death among patients diagnosed with an invasive fungal infection caused by mold.
The study results stated that "invasive fungal infections are serious infections associated with high rates of intensive care unit admissions and increased mortality, particularly among patients recently diagnosed with COVID-19."
The study explained that the likelihood of developing severe cases of these diseases was higher among patients who had COVID-19 or who had recently recovered from it.
According to data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 66% of patients with invasive fungal infections who tested positive for COVID-19 died within 90 days, compared to 41% among patients who did not have the virus.
The study indicated that 35% of invasive fungal infections were recorded in patients who did not have the traditional risk factors, suggesting that relying solely on traditional criteria or common clinical symptoms may underestimate the true prevalence of these diseases.
The study was conducted in 4 hospitals in Atlanta, USA, where 449 confirmed cases of invasive fungal infection were recorded between 2020 and 2024.
Invasive fungal diseases caused by mold are a diverse group of rare, life-threatening infections caused by certain types of mold that can invade and damage body tissues.
Most infections occur when mold spores are inhaled, but the fungus can also enter the body through cuts, injuries, or contaminated medical equipment.
These spores do not cause health problems for most people, but they can be fatal for the elderly, cancer patients, and others with weakened immune systems. Treatment often requires long-term use of antifungal medications.
