Improving awareness, diagnosis and management of invasive fungal infections in Ghana: establishment of the Ghana Medical Mycology Society. (8th September 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ocansey, Bright K; Dadzie, Edmund A; Eduful, Stephen K; Agyei, Martin; Osei, Mary-Magdalene; Puplampu, Peter; Asamoah, Isabella; Oladele, Rita O; Osaigbovo, Iriagbonse I; Afriyie-Mensah, Jane S; Opintan, Japheth A; Essien-Baidoo, Samuel; Chakrabarti, Arunaloke; Hoenigl, Martin; Denning, David W; Richardson, Malcolm D
• Is Part Of: Medical mycology. Volume 60:Number 9(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-09-08
• Subjects: Ghana -- invasive fungal infections -- diagnostics -- antifungal agents -- research; Medical mycology -- Periodicals; Veterinary mycology -- Periodicals; Mycology -- Periodicals; Mycoses -- Periodicals; Pathogenic fungi -- Periodicals; 616.969005
• DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myac069
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1369-3786

Abstract

Abstract: Invasive fungal infections (IFIs) and medical mycology receive little attention in Ghana. However, the present evolution of biomarker assays for IFIs, offers an opportunity for an increased access to fungal laboratory testing in resource-limited settings, and probably make a case for availability of essential antifungal agents. Using surveys and personal communications, the state of medical mycology and IFI in Ghana were highlighted. Inadequate awareness and insufficient access to fungal diagnostics and therapeutics were identified as the key challenges, the establishment of the Ghana Medical Mycology Society was discussed, and recommendations were made to improve the status quo. Lay Summary: Invasive fungal infections (IFIs) receive little attention in Ghana, despite its growing relevance globally. Using surveys and personal communications, the main challenges were identified, and the formation of the Ghana Medical Mycology Society was discussed as a tool to improve the status quo.