Fungal infections are a global health risks: WHO

Recently, WHO published a report highlighting the first-ever list of fungal "Priority pathogens" – a catalogue of the 19 fungi that represent the greatest threat to public health.  

Highlights of the Report:

• The WHO fungal priority pathogens list (FPPL) is the first global effort to systematically prioritize fungal pathogens, considering the unmet research and development (R&D) needs and the perceived public health importance.
• The 19 Fungi identified as categorically as fungi of concern are mentioned in the table below.
• Objective: The WHO FPPL aims to focus and drive further research and policy interventions to strengthen the global response to fungal infections and antifungal resistance.
• Fungal pathogens are a major threat to public health as they are becoming increasingly common and resistant to treatment with only four classes of antifungal medicines currently available.

• According to the Report, most fungal pathogens lack rapid and sensitive diagnostics and those that exist are not widely available or affordable globally.
• The invasive forms of these fungal infections often affect severely ill patients and those with significant underlying immune system-related conditions.
• Populations at the greatest risk of invasive fungal infections include those with cancer, HIV/AIDS, organ transplants, chronic respiratory disease, and post-primary tuberculosis infection.
• The WHO FPPL list is divided into three categories:
• Critical,
• High and
• Medium priority.
• The fungal pathogens in each priority category are so ranked primarily due to their public health impact and/or emerging antifungal resistance risk.

Significance of the Initiative:

• Help to prioritize the Level of Infection: The FPPL report underscores strategies for policymakers, public health professionals, and other stakeholders.
• Development of effective drugs: The strategies proposed in the report are collectively aimed at generating evidence and improving response to these fungal priority pathogens including preventing the development of antifungal drug resistance.
• The primary recommended actions are focused on:
  • strengthening laboratory capacity and surveillance;
  • sustaining investments in research, development, and innovation; and
  • Enhancing public health interventions for prevention and control.
    
    

Fungal Infections:

There are many types of fungal infections. Some of the most common fungal infections are those of the skin, nails, and mucous membranes. Examples include:

• Ringworm (also known as tinea): a fungal infection of the skin that can occur on your scalp, on your feet (athlete’s foot), in your groin area (jock itch), and on other areas of your body
• Nail fungus: an infection that typically affects your toenails but can also affect your fingernails
• Vaginal yeast infection: an infection that occurs due to the overgrowth of Candida yeast in and around the vagina
• Oral thrush: a condition in which Candida yeast overgrows in your mouth.