Retrospective analysis of opportunistic mycosis mortality: the epidemiological scenario between 2013 and 2023

Mycoses are very common in Brazil, and the state of Pernambuco has a high mortality rate from fungal infections, especially systemic and opportunistic mycoses that affect immunocompromised individuals and affect quality of life. This study evaluated the epidemiological profile of mortality from three mycoses in the population of the state of Pernambuco, PE, from 2013 to 2023. Using a longitudinal, descriptive, retrospective and quantitative approach, data were collected from the Hospital Information System of the Unified Health System (DATASUS) in December 2024. Variables such as number of deaths, sex, race, colour, year of hospitalization, place of care, health region and municipalities were analysed. Between 2013 and 2023, 129 deaths from mycoses with serious clinical repercussions were recorded in Pernambuco, with an annual average of 11.7 patients. Candidiasis was the main cause (n= 56, 43.4%), followed by cryptococcosis (n= 42, 32.6%) and aspergillosis (n= 31, 24%). Males were more affected, accounting for 58.9% (n=76) of deaths, and the majority of cases occurred in people of brown race/colour (n=71, 55.5%). The most affected age groups were 50-59 years and 80 years and older (n = 22, 50.4%), and the highest prevalence of deaths occurred in hospitals (n = 118, 91.5%). Recife was the municipality in the health region with the highest number of fatalities (n= 112, 86.8%). In short, improving the prevention and treatment of these diseases, especially in urban areas and immunocompromised individuals, reduces mortality rates and improves both care and laboratory diagnosis of these opportunistic mycoses.