Serious fungal infections in Pakistan

Introduction:The true burden of fungal infection in Pakistan is unknown. High risk populations for fungal infections (tuberculosis (TB), diabetes, chronic respiratory diseases, asthma, cancer, transplant and HIV infection) are numerous. Here we estimate the burden of fungal infections to highlight their public health significance. Methods:Whole and at risk population estimates were obtained from the WHO (TB), BREATHE study (COPD), UNAIDS (HIV), GLOBOCAN (cancer) and Heartfile (diabetes). Published data from Pakistan reporting fungal infections rates in general and specific populations was reviewed and used when applicable. Estimates were made in for the whole population, or specific populations at risk, as previously described in the LIFE methodology.Results: Of the 184,500,000 people in Pakistan, an estimated 3,280,549 (1.78%) people are affected by a serious fungal infection, omitting all cutaneous infection, oral candidiasis and allergic fungal sinusitis, which we could not estimate. Compared with other countries the rates of candidaemia (21/100,000) and mucormycosis (14/100,000) are estimated to be very high, and are based on data from India. Chronic pulmonary aspergillosis rates are estimated to be high (39/100,000) because of the high TB burden. Invasive aspergillosis was estimated to be around 5.9/100000. Fungal keratitis is also problematic in Pakistan with an estimated rate of 44/100,000. Conclusions: Pakistan probably has a high rate of certain life or sight-threatening fungal infections.