[General epidemiology of invasive fungal disease]

Abstract

Invasive mycoses associated with high morbidity and mortality rates are increasing among immunocompromised or severely ill patients. Candida, Cryptococcus, Pneumocystis and Aspergillus are most prevalent agents with varying distribution as regards geography, patient condition and hospital units. The latest multicentre candidaemia survey conducted in Spain, showed C. albicans as the most frequently isolated species followed by C. parapsilosis, C. glabrata, C. tropicalis and C. krusei in contrast with other European or American studies where C. glabrata was second in rank. Aspergillus spp. is the leading agent causing invasive mycoses among filamentous fungi followed by Fusarium spp., Scedosporium spp. and zygomycetes. Aspergillus fumigatus is the most common agent in invasive aspergillosis (and azole-resistant isolates have been reported) but in the last few years Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus nidulans and Aspergillus terreus have been isolated with increasing frequency variable with geographical factors, patients' underlying conditions or previous antifungal treatments.