Burden of serious fungal infections in Mexico

Serious fungal infections (SFIs) could be more frequent than are recognised. Estimates of the incidence and prevalence of SFIs are essential in order to identify public health problems. We estimated the rates of SFIs in Mexico, following a methodology similar to that used in prior studies. We obtained information about the general population and populations at risk. A systematic literature search was undertaken to identify epidemiological reports of SFIs in Mexico. When Mexican reports were unavailable, we based our estimates on international literature. The most prevalent SFIs in Mexico are recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (5999 per 100000) followed by allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (60 per 100000), chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (15.9 per 100000), fungal keratitis (10.4 per 100000), invasive candidiasis (8.6 per 100000) and SFIs in HIV (8.2 per 100000); coccidioidomycosis (7.6 per 100000), IA (4.56 per 100000). These correspond to 2749159 people affected in any year (2.45% of the population), probably >10000 deaths and 7000 blind eyes. SFIs affect immunocompromised and healthy populations. Most are associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. Validation of these estimates with epidemiological studies is required. The burdens indicate that an urgent need to improve medical skills, surveillance, diagnosis, and management of SFIs exists.