Warning as deadly fungal infections that enter the bloodstream on the rise – and scientists identify those most at risk

Scottish Sun

29-05-2025

'Our surveillance shows that serious fungal infections are having an increasing impact on public health,' Professor Andy Borman from the UKHSA says
'REMAIN VIGILANT' Warning as deadly fungal infections that enter the bloodstream on the rise – and scientists identify those most at risk
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SEVERAL deadly fungal infections are on the rise in England, health chiefs warn - including one labeled a 'huge threat to humanity'.
In 2024, cases of fungi entering the bloodstream rose slightly from 3.8 to 3.9 per 100,000 people, new figures from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reveal.
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Experts think the rise in infections may be linked to more complex surgeries, longer hospital stays, and increased antibiotic use
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Most were found in vulnerable patients in hospitals, particularly those with weakened immune systems.
Bloodstream infections caused by a type of fungus called yeast usually happen in hospitals, from yeasts that naturally live on our skin or inside our bodies.
The main culprits behind these new infections are yeast species like Candida albicans, Nakaseomyces glabratus, and Candida parapsilosis.
Candida albicans, or C. albicans as it is sometimes called, has already been named by the World Health Organization (WHO) as one of 19 deadly fungi posing a serious threat to humanity.
It's branded a superbug because it's becoming harder and harder to treat due to growing drug resistance.
But UKHSA chiefs are most concerned about Candidozyma auris - a tougher, drug-resistant fungus that has also been reported and can be deadly and spreads easily in hospitals.
Between 2013 and 2024, there were 637 reported cases of in England, with 178 just last year alone, data suggests.
Once rare, it's been steadily rising, especially since the Covid pandemic restrictions ended.
Experts say the rise may be linked to more complex surgeries, longer hospital stays, and increased antibiotic use – all of which can weaken the body's defenses.
'Our surveillance shows that serious fungal infections are having an increasing impact on public health," Professor Andy Borman from the UKHSA said.
Are fungal infections a serious threat?
"The rise of drug-resistant C. auris means we must remain vigilant to protect patient safety.'
To tackle this threat, UKHSA has stepped up surveillance and made C. auris a notifiable infection. This means hospitals must report cases quickly to help control outbreaks.
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The WHO have ranked 19 fungal priority pathogensbased on threat to humanity