美国疾病控制与预防中心发布了首项全国性研究，揭示侵入性霉菌感染的患病情况可能远未被充分认识[1]。研究团队在2020年至2024年间对亚特兰大地区医院进行了调查，最初识别出近1000例疑似病例，经过确认后约有450例确诊患者，其中大约三分之一的患者死亡[1]。CDC高级作者Jeremy Gold医生表示："这是我们第一次有这样的估计"[1]。
根据研究数据，医院预期的侵入性霉菌感染发病率约为每100张住院床位每年3至5例[1]。老年人、癌症患者、免疫系统受损者以及COVID-19患者被列为高危人群[1]。CDC之前的估计显示，每年有超过15000例住院与侵入性霉菌病相关[1]。随着气候变化导致洪水和飓风频率上升，加之全球人口老龄化加剧，专家认为这一问题在未来可能会进一步恶化[1]。Duke大学研究员Jeffrey Jenks医生也认同这一趋势，指出"真菌感染的频率可能会随气候变化增加"[1]。
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has released its first nationwide study examining the prevalence of invasive fungal infections, suggesting the threat posed by mold-related illnesses may be substantially underestimated.[1] Researchers examined hospitals in the Atlanta area over a five-year period from 2020 to 2024, initially identifying nearly 1,000 cases and ultimately confirming approximately 450 cases of invasive mold infection.[1] Among confirmed patients, roughly one-third died from the condition.[1]
Hospital data collected during the study period indicates an expected disease rate of 3 to 5 cases per 100 hospital beds annually.[1] The CDC's prior estimates suggest more than 15,000 hospitalizations annually are associated with invasive fungal disease.[1] According to Dr. Jeremy Gold, a senior author on the research, "This is the first time we have had an estimate like this."[1] Elderly patients, individuals with cancer, those with compromised immune systems, and COVID-19 patients are identified as particularly vulnerable populations.[1]
Researchers point to climate change as a potential driver of increased risk, with more frequent flooding and hurricanes expected to amplify exposure to mold.[1] Combined with an aging population, these factors suggest the burden of invasive fungal infections may worsen in the coming years.[1] Dr. Jeffrey Jenks, a researcher at Duke University, stated: "I agree that the frequency of fungal infections will likely increase with climate change."[1]