In a groundbreaking study titled "Global incidence and mortality of severe fungal disease," published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases, researchers have unveiled shocking new findings about the annual death toll caused by fungal diseases. The study, led by Professor David Denning, an infectious disease expert at The University of Manchester, reveals that the total number of deaths from fungal disease worldwide has doubled previous estimates, reaching a staggering 3.75 million per year.

The study utilized data from over 80 countries, and the researchers estimated that there are approximately 6.55 million acute cases of fungal disease annually. This revised figure is significantly higher than earlier estimates and highlights the urgent need for increased awareness and diagnostic capabilities.

Comparatively, fungal disease mortality surpasses deaths caused by other single pathogens. It claims six times more lives than malaria and almost three times as many lives as tuberculosis. Previous estimates were imprecise, as many fungal diseases exacerbate already severe underlying conditions like leukemia or AIDS.

The study further reveals that around 68%—or 2.55 million—deaths directly result from fungal disease itself. Another 32%, or 1.2 million deaths, are associated with other underlying diseases, where fungal infections contribute to the fatality.

One striking finding is that approximately a third of the global deaths from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), totaling 3.23 million, are linked to Aspergillus fungal infection, as discovered by Professor Denning. The study also suggests that a significant proportion of deaths attributed to pulmonary tuberculosis—reported as 1.2 million in 2019—could actually be caused by fungal diseases, reaching an estimated 340,000 cases.

Additionally, the research reveals that 4.5% of leukemia deaths globally, around 14,000 cases, may be attributed to aspergillosis and other fungal infections. As for lung and bronchus cancer deaths, which stand at 1.8 million annually, aspergillosis is estimated to be implicated in approximately 49,000 deaths, accounting for 2.7% of the total.

Moreover, the study estimates that each year around 1.57 million individuals suffer from Candida bloodstream infection or invasive candidiasis, with 995,000 resulting in death, representing a staggering 63.6% mortality rate.

Professor Denning explains that this study is the first comprehensive global estimate of fungal disease incidence and mortality. However, despite the substantial progress made, many gaps and uncertainties remain. The updated estimate of 3.75 million deaths from fungal disease highlights the urgent need for enhanced understanding, diagnostic capabilities, and targeted interventions to address this overlooked public health issue.

The research was made possible through global collaboration, with over 300 professionals contributing data and estimates for their respective countries and specific fungal diseases. The study was inspired by the concerted efforts of organizations such as Global Action for Fungal Infections (GAFFI), The University of Manchester, the Fungal Infection Trust, CIFAR's Fungal Kingdom: Threats and Opportunities program, and GAFFI's global Ambassador network.

As the impact of fungal diseases continues to grow, this groundbreaking study serves as a wake-up call for the global healthcare community to prioritize the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of fungal infections, ultimately saving millions of lives worldwide.

Reference:
David Denning, Global Incidence and Mortality of Severe Fungal Disease, The Lancet Infectious Diseases (2023). On SSRN: DOI: 10.2139/ssrn.4560971