The WHO report states that the situation of treatment of fungal infections is very serious in many countries of the world. In many countries, there is a huge shortage of medicines and equipment.
Fungal Infections : The first report of the World Health Organization (WHO) on fungal infections is very shocking. This new report, which came on April 1, says that there is a huge shortage of medicines and testing machines for dangerous fungal diseases. The report states the urgent need for new research and development to deal with them. The report says that fungal diseases are increasing rapidly, which is a matter of concern.
Common infections such as Candida, which causes oral and vaginal thrush, are becoming increasingly difficult to treat. These infections affect critically ill patients and those with weakened immunity the most. These include patients undergoing cancer chemotherapy, HIV patients and those who have received organ transplants.
Life could be in danger
The report quoted Dr. Yukiko Nakatani, WHO's Assistant Director General for Antimicrobial Resistance, as saying that invasive fungal infections threaten the lives of the most vulnerable people, but many countries lack facilities to prevent them. Not only is there a lack of new antifungal drugs and tests, but there is also a lack of fungal tests in district hospitals in lower and middle income countries. This lack of testing means that the cause of people's problems is not known, which leads to improper treatment.
What is the WHO report
The most dangerous fungi on the WHO's fungal priority list (FPPL) are those with a mortality rate of up to 88%. The lack of treatment and testing equipment, the shortage of antifungal drugs and the slow and difficult process of developing new treatments have made this a challenge.
The WHO report on antifungal drugs highlights that in the past decade, only four new antifungal drugs have been approved in the US, the European Union or China. Currently, nine antifungal drugs are in clinical trials for use against the most dangerous fungi.
However, only three drugs are in the third phase, which is its last trial. Which means that these drugs can come soon. 22 drugs are in the preclinical trial phase, which is not right now considering the dropout rate, risks and challenges associated with earlier development phases.
How dangerous is fungal infection?
Fungal infections can usually range from mild to severe. Some minor infections are easily cured, but some can be dangerous and even life-threatening. Mild fungal infections can include skin infections, mouth or private parts. At medium level, lung infections, asthma, sinusitis can occur. On the other hand, dangerous and life-threatening fungal infections can include black fungus (mucormycosis), invasive candidiasis, cryptococcal meningitis, which is found in HIV-AIDS patients.
Disclaimer: Some of the information given in the news is based on media reports. Before implementing any suggestion, please consult the concerned expert.
