Fungal Infections During and After the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic: A Retrospective Comparison

Bekir Sami Uyanık

Status: Invitation-only

Conditions: Fungal Infections

Treatments: Diagnostic Test: Culture, İsolation

Study type: Observational

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT06483815

ODFUNGAL

Details and patient eligibility

About

his study aims to retrospectively compare fungal positivity rates between the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and the post-pandemic periods. During the pandemic, Candida species had a positivity rate of 17.36%, and Aspergillus had a rate of 2.22%. Post-pandemic, these rates decreased to 9.29% and 1.00%, respectively. The overall fungal positivity rate decreased from 9.15% during the pandemic to 5.13% post-pandemic. Statistical analysis revealed a significant decrease in fungal positivity rates post-pandemic (p < 0.01). These findings underscore the effectiveness of post-pandemic healthcare interventions and infection control strategies.

Full description

The study aims to retrospectively compare fungal positivity rates by focusing on Candida and Aspergillus species during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and in the post-pandemic period. The dataset includes samples collected during the pandemic period (N=623) and the subsequent post-pandemic period (N=818). Fungal positivity rates were calculated and statistically analyzed using chi-square tests, and significance was determined as p<0.01.

During the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, Candida species showed a positivity rate of 17.36%, while the rate in the post-pandemic period significantly decreased to 9.29% (p=0.002). In contrast, Aspergillus species did not show a significant change in positivity rates between the pandemic (2.22%) and post-pandemic (1.00%) periods (p=0.186, NS).

Overall, the study provides valuable insights into the epidemiology of fungal infections during and after the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, suggesting possible shifts in fungal pathogen prevalence and healthcare priorities. The findings contribute to the development of targeted healthcare strategies and surveillance measures for fungal infections in the post-pandemic era.

Study Design: Retrospective comparative analysis

Data Analysis: Chi-square tests, p<0.01 considered significant

Enrollment: 1,441 estimated patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18+ years old

Volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

Patients over 18 years of age of both genders

Exclusion criteria

• Patients under 18 years of age,
• Patients whose demographic, clinical and laboratory data investigated in the study could not be accessed, patients who were diagnosed with fungal infection during hospitalization

Trial design

1,441 participants in 1 patient group

The percentages of fungus positivity in the SARS CoV-2 pandemic and SARS CoV-2 post-pandemic period

Description:

The study was conducted retrospectively, analyzing a total of 1441 patients. Among these, 623 were during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and 818 were in the post-pandemic period. Fungal positivity rates were calculated separately for different fungal agents including Candida species and Aspergillus. These rates were presented as percentages and statistically compared between the two periods.

Treatment:

Diagnostic Test: Culture, İsolation