A gaggle of international mycology experts, led by Prof. Dr. Oliver A. Cornley on the University of Cologne, has jointly developed a tenet for the diagnosis and treatment of cryptococcosis, with the aim of improving the management of the infection and thus patients. to enhance the survival rate of Cryptococcosis is primarily a fungal infection of the lungs that may result in meningitis. The article was published within the journal 'Global Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Cryptococcosis'.
Cryptococcosis, particularly cryptococcal meningitis (CM) as essentially the most lethal form, is accountable for a high mortality rate in patients. It is some of the prevalent invasive fungal infections on the earth and is a very high risk for immunocompromised people. For example, about a million cases of cryptococcal meningoencephalitis worldwide are diagnosed in individuals with HIV alone, and greater than 600,000 people die from the disease every year. Patients who’ve undergone bone marrow transplant or organ transplant are also at higher risk of infection. It is transmitted from the soil by respiration of the seeds. Then other organs are also affected by blood. Lungs, brain, skin and bones are most affected.
“Invasive fungal infections are often difficult to recognize in daily work in clinics because they are so rare. However, it is especially important that patients at risk are treated quickly and appropriately,” Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Cologne. said Cornelius of Medicine. and Director of the Institute of Translational Research on the University of Cologne's CECAD Cluster of Excellence for Aging Research. “At the same time, we must not forget that the conditions for identifying infections at an early stage are not equally good everywhere in the world and that resources are sometimes very limited. There are many countries with very high numbers of As part of our global leadership program in this regard, we would like to contribute to improving this situation.”
The cryptococcosis manual is designed to help healthcare professionals in managing invasive fungal infections. It goals to offer practical guidance and support in decision-making and thereby improve clinical approach, diagnosis, management and aftercare for the advantage of patients.
The project was carried out by the mycological societies ECMM (European Confederation of Medical Mycology) and ISHAM (International Society for Human and Animal Mycology) in collaboration with ASM (American Society for Microbiology). “More than 70 other international expert bodies were involved in developing this new guideline,” explained Cornley. Such recommendations are also needed.” Authors from 22 countries contributed to this guideline. Dr Christina Chang from Monash University in Melbourne, Australia and Professor Dr John Robert Perfect from Duke University in Durham, USA were in command of the project.
Invasive fungal infections are emergencies. However, because a single pathogen is commonly so rare, it is commonly discovered late. But patients' lives depend upon rapid detection and well-executed procedures. Since 2017, the University Hospital Cologne is home to one in all the European centers recognized by the ECMM. At the middle, patients have access to advanced testing procedures and treatment options. In addition, experts under the direction of Prof. Cornelius act as consulting contacts for colleagues in Germany and abroad.