A groundbreaking study in the United States reveals invasive mold infections as a potentially deadly and underestimated threat. Researchers found approximately 450 cases in hospitals around the Atlanta area over five years. Alarmingly, about one-third of these patients succumbed to the illness while hospitalized.
This research was published by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and plays a crucial role in understanding the prevalence of such illnesses. Currently, there are no requirements for healthcare professionals to report these infections, making the findings even more significant.
Dr. Jeremy Gold, CDC’s senior author of the study, emphasized the importance of being aware of the situation now, as the issue might escalate in the future. The increase in natural disasters like hurricanes and floods, exacerbated by climate change, intensifies mold exposure risks. Dr. Jeffrey Jenks from Duke University also supports the belief that fungal infections could surge with the changing climate.
Furthermore, the rising number of older adults, who are more prone to these infections, adds to the concern. Invasive mold diseases are caused by specific mold species. Most people become infected by inhaling mold spores, though spores can also enter through cuts, wounds, or contaminated medical equipment. Generally, mold spores do not affect most people. However, they pose serious health risks to the elderly, cancer patients, and others with compromised immune systems.
Previously, it was estimated that over 15,000 hospitalizations annually could be attributed to invasive mold diseases. To determine how common these cases might be at a local level, the research team collaborated with four hospitals and their outpatient clinics in the Atlanta area, analyzing potential cases from 2020 to 2024. The initial list of nearly 1,000 possible cases was reduced to about 450, as some did not meet the criteria for invasive mold disease.
The study found that hospitals could expect to encounter 3 to 5 cases annually for every 100 inpatient beds. Larger academic hospitals, which usually handle more complex illnesses, displayed higher rates. Most affected patients had weakened immune systems, or their health had deteriorated after suffering from COVID-19.
The study did not attempt to determine the specific locations where patients were exposed to mold. Dr. Gold noted that while the findings provide insight into the Atlanta area, they may not necessarily apply to other regions in the U.S. with differing mold exposure levels.
Dr. Jenks commended the study for providing valuable information. He stressed the need for similar research in other U.S. locations to gain a clearer understanding of the issue nationwide.
The Associated Press Health and Science Department obtained support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Science Education and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The Associated Press is solely responsible for the content.