Fungal Infections During and After the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic: A Retrospective Comparison

The study aims to retrospectively compare fungal positivity rates by focusing on Candida and Aspergillus species during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and in the post-pandemic period. The dataset includes samples collected during the pandemic period (N=623) and the subsequent post-pandemic period (N=818). Fungal positivity rates were calculated and statistically analyzed using chi-square tests, and significance was determined as p<0.01.

During the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, Candida species showed a positivity rate of 17.36%, while the rate in the post-pandemic period significantly decreased to 9.29% (p=0.002). In contrast, Aspergillus species did not show a significant change in positivity rates between the pandemic (2.22%) and post-pandemic (1.00%) periods (p=0.186, NS).

Overall, the study provides valuable insights into the epidemiology of fungal infections during and after the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, suggesting possible shifts in fungal pathogen prevalence and healthcare priorities. The findings contribute to the development of targeted healthcare strategies and surveillance measures for fungal infections in the post-pandemic era.

Study Design: Retrospective comparative analysis

Data Analysis: Chi-square tests, p<0.01 considered significant

Inclusion criteria

Patients over 18 years of age of both genders

Exclusion criteria

• Patients under 18 years of age,
• Patients whose demographic, clinical and laboratory data investigated in the study could not be accessed, patients who were diagnosed with fungal infection during hospitalization