HIV-related Fungal Infection Deaths

Submitted by GAtherton on 18 February 2016

The virus that causes AIDS works by reducing the effectiveness of its victims immune system, making them vulnerable to infections of all kinds, viral, bacterial and fungal.

HIV caused 1.5 million deaths in 2013 (WHO figures) but further progress is being made to reduce that figure year on year, not least by the use of effective retroviral drugs to reduce the activity of the HIV virus though these drugs are not universally available in poorer countries and the rate of AIDS in some is increasing.

Most HIV patients die from infection or cancer. Fungal infection is an important part of the numbers of deaths, in particular histoplasmosis accounts for around 80 000 deaths per year in AIDS patients out of 100 000 cases reported – such poor outcomes are a consequence of poor diagnostics facilities in many countries and even if detected treatment is not always available.

Difficulty diagnosing fungal disease is a common theme worldwide and requires some investment in expertise and equipment. Experts from GAFFI (Global Action Fund for Fungal Infections) want this deadly fungal disease adopted as a priority by key public health agencies and have today sent out an open letter to every pan American health organisation.  

GAFFI’s President Dr David Denning (Professor of Infectious Diseases in Global Health at The University of Manchester) wants greater awareness of the histoplamosis and more reliable and practical tests made available in those countries most affected.