The Burden of Diseases Caused by Invasive Fungal Infections

Invasive Fungal Infections (IFIs) have increasingly become a concern in many parts of the world. Challenges around early and effective diagnostics as well as shifting demographic characteristics are among the critical factors driving the increasing threat of IFIs. The aim of the current study was to estimate the burden of three main IFIs— Candida infections, Aspergillus infections, and Mucormycosis—in Saudi Arabia. Data were collected from published government records, research studies directly focusing on these diseases in Saudi Arabia, and expert advice from healthcare professionals where some data were completely unavailable to guide the estimation of the burden of disease. Findings showed that with a total population of slightly above 32 million according to the government records of 2022, Saudi Arabia’s major burden of the investigated IFIs is associated with Candida infections. Among 1,568 cases appearing in records used in this study to inform the burden of disease for Candida infections, it was determined that four main strains exist, Candida Albicans, Candida tropicalis, Candida glabrata, Candida parapsilosis, and Candida krusei. C. Albicans presents the highest burden owing to the many cases (40.11%, n = 629) that emerged from the total cases reported in all cases. Aspergillus emerged as the second most burdening IFI, with an estimated burden of about 2,445 cases per year, and with the Aspergillus flavu being the most prevalent strain in Saudi Arabia. Mucormycosis was not a major threat, with the estimated burden of disease being 109 cases per year for the entire population. Other IFIs reported in the data records were cryptococcal meningitis, gastrointestinal basidiobolomycosis, and brain abscesses, but none of these presented any significant burden. The findings show that the highest burden of IFIs in Saudi Arabia is due to Candida infections and particularly the C. Albicans strain, with Aspergillus coming closely as the second most burdening condition. Accordingly, in healthcare planning and resource allocation to address IFIs, there is need for the government and other relevant stakeholders to focus on enhancing resources for the diagnosis and treatment of cases of Candida and Aspergillus infections, as these represent the most significant burden.