Global Burden of Lower Respiratory Tract Fungal Infections Remains High in Underdeveloped Regions

Strategic Insights -

According to a recent study published in the journal Mycopathologia, lower respiratory tract fungal infections (LRTFIs) continue to contribute significantly to the global disease burden, especially in underdeveloped regions. The study analyzed the disability-adjusted life year (DALY) burden of LRTFIs from 1990 to 2021 and projected the burden to 2050. The research found that while the global DALYs from LRTFIs decreased slightly from 1.32 to 1.30 million (1990-2021), the age-standardized DALY rate (ASDR) declined from 25.86 to 16.37 per 100,000. However, the highest ASDRs were in low-SDI regions, particularly Central Sub-Saharan Africa, with Zimbabwe, Lesotho, and the Central African Republic having the highest national burdens.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found that LRTFIs contribute significantly to the global disease burden, with a slight decrease in global DALYs from 1.32 to 1.30 million (1990-2021).
  • The age-standardized DALY rate (ASDR) declined from 25.86 to 16.37 per 100,000, but the highest ASDRs were in low-SDI regions, particularly Central Sub-Saharan Africa.
  • Zimbabwe, Lesotho, and the Central African Republic had the highest national burdens of LRTFIs.
  • Males and individuals over 50 had higher DALY rates of LRTFIs.
  • Population growth increased DALYs, while ageing and epidemiological shifts reduced them.
  • Absolute inequality declined, but relative inequality increased.

Statistics:

  • Global DALYs from LRTFIs decreased slightly from 1.32 million to 1.30 million (1990-2021).
  • Age-standardized DALY rate (ASDR) declined from 25.86 to 16.37 per 100,000 (1990-2021).
  • Central Sub-Saharan Africa had the highest age-standardized DALY rate (ASDR) of 71.86 per 100,000.
  • Zimbabwe, Lesotho, and the Central African Republic had the highest national burdens of LRTFIs.
  • By 2050, DALYs are projected to rise to 1.78 million, although the ASDR will decline to 10.37 per 100,000.

Sources:

  • Lu, L., Long, Z., Xian, G., Li, Z., Guo, M., Li, A., ... & Wang, Y. (2025). Global, Regional, and National Disability-Adjusted Life Years Burdens of Lower Respiratory Tract Fungal Infections, 1990-2021: A Systematic Analysis of the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021. Mycopathologia, 190(6), 98.
  • NewsRx. Studies from First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University in the Area of World Disease Described (Global, Regional, and National Disability-Adjusted Life Years Burdens of Lower Respiratory Tract Fungal Infections, 1990-2021: A ...). World Disease Weekly. October 21, 2025; p 127.