Communicated by: National Institute for Communicable Diseases
The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) reminds the public to remain vigilant and seek urgent medical care if they experience symptoms indicative of a fungal infection. This is especially important as fungal diseases are on the rise globally and are often misdiagnosed, leading to severe, sometimes chronic illness, and even death.
Fungal diseases are a significant public health concern in South Africa due to the high prevalence of HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis (TB), and non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and cancer. Immunocompromised individuals, particularly those living with HIV/AIDS, are at heightened risk of severe fungal infections.
Fungal infections, also known as mycoses, are caused by fungi and can affect the skin, hair, nails, mucous membranes, lungs, or blood. While anyone can contract a fungal infection, people with weakened immune systems – such as those with diabetes, HIV/AIDS, cancer, or organ transplants – are more vulnerable to severe disease.
“Fungal infections can sometimes resemble more common conditions caused by bacteria or viruses, which may result in misdiagnosis or delayed treatment. This can lead to high costs, severe illness, and even death,” said Prof. Vindana Chibabhai, Head of the Centre for Healthcare-Associated Infections, Antimicrobial Resistance and Mycoses (CHARM).
She emphasised the importance of consulting a healthcare provider if one suspects a fungal infection in themselves or a loved one. According to Prof. Chibabhai, “Advanced laboratory techniques, both phenotypic (physical characteristics) and molecular (gene-based), can assist in the early diagnosis of fungal infections.”
Fungal diseases are treated with antifungal medicines, available in oral, intravenous, cream, or ointment form. Importantly, antibiotics cannot treat fungal infections and may even increase the risk of developing them.
Common fungal infections in South Africa include:
- Cryptococcosis – causes an estimated 23,000 cases annually, primarily among individuals with HIV.
- Emergomycosis and Histoplasmosis – regionally endemic, most often associated with advanced HIV infection.
- Candida auris – a recently recognised multidrug-resistant fungus that has caused severe illness in hospitalised patients.
- Sporotrichosis – a skin infection commonly found among gardeners and those in frequent contact with plants or soil.
“The availability of antifungal treatments remains a major challenge in South Africa, as the few licensed agents are unaffordable for most of the population. In addition, resistance to antifungals is an increasing global public health concern, with more fungi developing resistance to first-line drugs,” added Prof. Chibabhai.
Preventive measures include good hygiene, general physician check-ups to diagnose and treat underlying medical conditions and living a generally healthy lifestyle.