An estimate of the burden of serious fungal diseases in Greece.

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An estimate of the burden of serious fungal diseases in Greece.

Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis. 2016 Apr 16;

Authors: Gamaletsou MN, Drogari-Apiranthitou M, Denning DW, Sipsas NV

Abstract
Data on the epidemiology of serious fungal infections in Greece are scarce. Our aim was to calculate the burden of serious fungal diseases in Greece. A thorough literature search for papers reporting epidemiological data on serious fungal diseases in Greece was performed. Where no Greek data existed, we used a structured set of assumptions to estimate fungal disease burden, based on specific high-risk populations. Of the 10.8 million population, 85.5 % are adults and 27 % are over 60 years of age. The annual fungal disease estimates are as follows: 142,337 Greek women get recurrent vaginal thrush (2,632 cases/100,000 females); there are 889 cases of esophageal candidiasis (8.2 cases/100,000); annual incidence of Pneumocystis pneumonia is 112 cases; chronic pulmonary aspergillosis prevalence is 386 cases; there are 20,843 patients with allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis and 27,744 with severe asthma with fungal sensitization; candidaemia incidence is 541 cases (5.0/100,000); there are 81 cases of Candida peritonitis; invasive aspergillosis occurs in 1,125 patients. According to our calculations, 194,067 individuals (1.79 cases/100,000) in Greece suffer from serious fungal diseases each year. This is the first attempt to determine the burden of fungal diseases in Greece, and provides a crude estimate on its impact on public health.

PMID: 27086365 [PubMed – as supplied by publisher]

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Indicators of airborne fungal concentrations in urban homes: Understanding the conditions that affect indoor fungal exposures.

Indicators of airborne fungal concentrations in urban homes: Understanding the conditions that affect indoor fungal exposures.

Sci Total Environ. 2015 Feb 25;517C:113-124

Authors: Crawford JA, Rosenbaum PF, Anagnost SE, Hunt A, Abraham JL

Abstract
Indoor fungal exposure can compromise respiratory health. Low-income urban areas are of concern because of high asthma and allergy rates and housing disrepair. Understanding the conditions that affect indoor fungal exposures is important for assessing health risks and for developing mitigation strategies. We examined the types and concentrations of airborne fungi inside and outside of homes in low-income areas of Syracuse, NY as well as the effect of snow cover on fungal levels. At 103 homes, air samples for viable fungi were collected, occupants were interviewed and homes were inspected for visible mold, musty odors, water problems and other factors. Multivariable logistic regression was used to relate high fungal levels to home conditions. Predominant indoor fungi included Cladosporium, Penicillium, Aspergillus, Alternaria and hyaline unknowns. Basidiomycetes and an uncommon genus Acrodontium were also found frequently due to analysis methods developed for this project. With snow cover, outdoor total fungal levels were depressed and indoor concentrations were three times higher than outdoor on average with a maximum of 29 times higher. Visible mold was related to elevated levels of Penicillium (OR 4.11 95% CI 1.37-14.0) and bacteria (OR 3.79 95% CI 1.41-11.2). Musty, moldy odors were associated with elevated concentrations of total fungi (OR 3.48 95% CI 1.13-11.6) and basidiomycetes. Cockroaches, an indicator of moisture, were associated with elevated levels of Penicillium (OR 3.66 95% CI 1.16-13.1) and Aspergillus (OR 4.36 95% CI 1.60-13.4). Increasing relative humidity was associated with higher concentrations of Penicillium, yeasts and basidiomycetes. Visible mold, musty odors, indoor humidity and cockroaches are modifiable factors that were important determinants of indoor fungal exposures. Indoor air investigators should interpret indoor:outdoor fungal ratios cautiously when snow cover is present.

PMID: 25725196 [PubMed – as supplied by publisher]

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Research on aero-mycological study to analyse airborne fungal flora – Pakistan Daily Times

Research on aero-mycological study to analyse airborne fungal flora
Pakistan Daily Times
This study will be helpful to physicians/allergists in devising appropriate treatment and preventive methodologies for their asthma and allergy patients in the city of Karachi. The study says, “Airborne fungal spores are well known to cause respiratory

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High Prevalence of Severe Asthma With Fungal Sensitization – Science Daily (press release)

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Science Daily (press release)
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Severe Asthma With Fungal Sensitization In Children: Characterization Of A New Newswise (press release)

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Severe Asthma With Fungal Sensitization In Children: Characterization Of A New … – Newswise (press release)

Severe Asthma With Fungal Sensitization In Children: Characterization Of A New
Newswise (press release)
Methods: We prospectively analyzed serum IgE levels and fungal sensitization patterns of children failing combination asthma therapy in order to estimate the prevalence of SAFS in our population. We also compared clinical characteristics of SAFS and
Children failing asthma therapy may have severe asthma with fungal sensitizationMedical Xpress

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Was Norwich hospital spike in asthma cases due to wet weather and fungal spores? – Norfolk Eastern Daily Press

Was Norwich hospital spike in asthma cases due to wet weather and fungal spores?
Norfolk Eastern Daily Press
By KIM BRISCOE, Health correspondent Saturday, May 5, 2012 A spike in asthma-related admissions to Norfolk's largest hospital over the weekend could have been caused by the heavy rain, according to an expert. To send a link to this page to a friend,

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