Abstract

The human-to-human transmitted disease, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has spread worldwide and affected more than 270 million people, leading to more than 5 million deaths. COVID‐19 patients with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome(ARDS) are often admitted to Intensive Care Units (ICUs), frequently receive corticosteroids, broad‐spectrum antibiotics and immunomodulatory agents. An increase of secondary fungal infections has been described in these patients, which are frequently associated with poor patient outcomes. The incidence of these infections varies from country to county. Additionally, a variety of fungal species have been reported around the globe. In this report we will discuss various aspects of COVID-19 associated fungal infections focusing on risk factors, treatments and current challenges.

Keywords:COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; Co-infection; Aspergillosis; Mucormycosi