Opportunistic pathogenic fungal co-infections are prevalent in critically ill COVID-19 patients: Are they risk factors for disease severity?

O T Ezeokoli; C H Pohl

doi:10.7196/SAMJ.2020.v110i11.15248

In Practice

Opportunistic pathogenic fungal co-infections are prevalent in critically ill COVID-19 patients: Are they risk factors for disease severity?

O T Ezeokoli, C H Pohl

Abstract

Fungal co-infections, especially with Aspergillus and Candida species, are prevalent in hospitalised COVID-19 patients, and could influence patient outcomes and hamper treatment efforts. However, information about and elucidation of the causal relationship between fungal co-infections and COVID-19 disease outcomes or severity in patients are still lacking. Such information, if and when available, will help facilitate appropriate case management.

Authors' affiliations

O T Ezeokoli, Pathogenic Yeast Research Group, Department of Microbial, Biochemical and Food Biotechnology, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa

C H Pohl, Pathogenic Yeast Research Group, Department of Microbial, Biochemical and Food Biotechnology, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa