Clinical spectrum and outcome of hospitalized patients with invasive fungal infections: a prospective study from a medical ward/intensive care unit of a teaching hospital in North India.

The aim of the study was to determine the clinical spectrum and outcome of invasive fungal infections (IFIs) in hospitalized patients. A prospective study was conducted in a teaching hospital in North India between December 2016 and December 2018. Patients diagnosed with IFIs were enrolled. Their clinical and laboratory parameters were recorded using a pre-defined clinical report form. They were followed up till discharge or death and a 60-day outcome was recorded. A total of 110 IFI cases were identified, which included invasive aspergillosis (39%), invasive candidiasis (16%), cryptococcosis (14%) and mucormycosis (12%). Pneumonia (63%) was the most common final diagnosis in these patients. Diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were the most common risk factor for all four diseases. Additionally, most patients with cryptococcosis had human immunodeficiency virus infection. Mortality was observed in 73% of the patients. Overall, IFIs are an important cause of morbidity and mortality in critically ill patients admitted to medical wards and ICUs.