The current state of laboratory mycology in Asia/Pacific: A survey from the European confederation of medical mycology (ECMM) and international society for human and animal mycology (ISHAM)
Document Type
Article
Department
Pathology and Laboratory Medicine
Abstract
Introduction: Invasive fungal infections (IFIs) in Asia/Pacific are a particular threat to patients with malignancies, uncontrolled diabetes mellitus or undiagnosed/untreated human immunodeficiency virus infection and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS). Adequate and early access to diagnostic tools and antifungals is essential for IFI clinical management and patient survival.
Methods: Details on institution profile, self-perception on IFI, and access to microscopy, culture, serology, antigen detection, molecular testing, and therapeutic drug monitoring for IFI were collected in a survey.
Results: As of June 2022, 235 centres from 40 countries/territories in Asia/Pacific answered the questionnaire. More than half the centres were from six countries: India (25%), China (17%), Thailand (5%), Indonesia, Iran, and Japan (4% each). Candida spp. (93%) and Aspergillus spp. (75%) were considered the most relevant pathogens. Most institutions had access to microscopy (98%) or culture-based approaches (97%). Furthermore, 79% of centres had access to antigen detection, 66% to molecular assays, and 63% to antibody tests. Access to antifungals varied between countries/territories. At least one triazole was available in 93% of the reporting sites (voriconazole [89%] was the most common mould-active azole), whereas 80% had at least one amphotericin B formulation, and 72% had at least one echinocandin.
Conclusion: According to the replies provided, the resources available for IFI diagnosis and management vary among Asia/Pacific countries/territories. Economical or geographical factors may play a key role in the incidence and clinical handling of this disease burden. Regional cooperation may be a good strategy to overcome shortcomings
Publication (Name of Journal)
International journal of antimicrobial agents
Recommended Citation
Salmanton-García, J.,
Au, W.,
Hoenigl, M.,
Chai, L. Y.,
Badali, H.,
Basher, A.,
Brockhoff, R. A.,
Chen, S. C.,
Chindamporn, A.,
Chowdhary, A.,
Jabeen, K.
(2023). The current state of laboratory mycology in Asia/Pacific: A survey from the European confederation of medical mycology (ECMM) and international society for human and animal mycology (ISHAM). International journal of antimicrobial agents, 61(3).
Available at:
https://ecommons.aku.edu/pakistan_fhs_mc_pathol_microbiol/1442
Comments
Pagination are not provided by the author/publisher