BMC Infectious Diseases最新文献

Background: Lower respiratory infections (LRIs) are a major global contributor to morbidity and mortality, with influenza viruses being a significant cause. Despite advances in vaccination and antiviral therapies, the burden of influenza-associated LRIs remains high, particularly in low-income regions and high-risk populations. Understanding long-term trends and regional disparities is crucial for developing effective prevention strategies.

Methods: Using data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 study, we analyzed age-standardized mortality rates (ASMR), and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) for influenza-associated LRIs across 21 global regions and 204 countries and territories from 1990 to 2021. Joinpoint regression was utilized to analyze temporal trends in the disease burden of influenza-associated LRIs. The relationship between influenza-associated LRIs burden and the socio-demographic index (SDI) was examined using a smoothing spline model. Frontier analysis was employed to estimate achievable outcomes based on development levels.

Results: Globally, ASMR declined from 5.87 (95% UI: 5.33-6.40) per 100,000 population in 1990 to 1.30 (0.98-1.66) per 100,000 population in 2021, with an average annual percent change (AAPC) of -0.69% (1990-2019) and - 49.74% (2019-2021). Despite declining rates, absolute deaths increased by 0.85% annually from 1990 to 2019, reflecting population growth and aging. In 2021, Central Sub-Saharan Africa had the highest ASMR (10.84/100,000 population) and ASDR (271.71/100,000 population), while high SDI regions (e.g., High-income Asia Pacific) approached near-zero mortality. Age-specific analysis revealed bimodal burdens: children under 5 and adults ≥ 70 years faced the highest risks.

Conclusions: Influenza-associated LRIs remain a significant global health challenge, particularly in low-income and high-risk populations. While global trends indicate progress, regional disparities and the impact of demographic factors highlight the need for tailored interventions. Targeted strategies-including equitable vaccine access, healthcare system strengthening, and integrated surveillance-are critical to mitigating burden in high-risk regions and populations.

Background: Aspergillus candidus (A. candidus), while an uncommon clinical isolate, represents an emerging cause of severe invasive fungal disease, particularly among individuals with compromised immunity. Patients with hematologic or solid tumor malignancies-especially those with concomitant structural lung damage, such as resulting from long-term heavy smoking-are at heightened risk.

Case presentation: We describe a case of chronic pulmonary aspergillosis caused by A. candidus in a 66-year-old man with untreated lung cancer. The patient had a 40-year history of heavy smoking, with known chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Bilateral pulmonary nodules had been identified two years prior, for which he had declined intervention. He presented with complaints of cough, productive sputum, and worsening dyspnea. Chest imaging revealed progression of his underlying malignancy, accompanied by inflammatory changes. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid was obtained and cultured; mycological analysis yielded colonies morphologically consistent with A. candidus, an identification subsequently confirmed through internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequencing-the current gold standard for fungal speciation.

Conclusions: To our knowledge, this represents the first reported case of A. candidus infection in a treatment-naïve lung cancer patient with an extensive smoking history. It underscores the importance of considering this pathogen in heavily smoking-related lung cancer cases and highlights diagnostic and therapeutic challenges in this high-risk population.