02241nas a2200397 4500000000100000008004100001260001200042653001800054653004900072653002700121653002000148653002400168653003200192653003600224653002900260100001300289700001300302700001500315700000900330700001200339700001300351700001300364700001600377700001400393700001200407700001500419700001900434700001100453700001400464245010200478856006600580300000900646490000600655520116800661022001401829 2023 d bMDPI AG10aPlant Science10aEcology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics10aMicrobiology (medical)10afungal diseases10aResearch priorities10afungal disease surveillance10afungal disease diagnostic tests10afungal disease treatment1 aSmith DJ1 aGold JAW1 aBenedict K1 aWu K1 aLyman M1 aJordan A1 aMedina N1 aLockhart SR1 aSexton DJ1 aChow NA1 aJackson BR1 aLitvintseva AP1 aToda M1 aChiller T00aPublic Health Research Priorities for Fungal Diseases: A Multidisciplinary Approach to Save Lives uhttps://www.mdpi.com/2309-608X/9/8/820/pdf?version=1691041749 a1-170 v93 a

Fungal infections can cause severe disease and death and impose a substantial economic burden on healthcare systems. Public health research requires a multidisciplinary approach and is essential to help save lives and prevent disability from fungal diseases. In this manuscript, we outline the main public health research priorities for fungal diseases, including the measurement of the fungal disease burden and distribution and the need for improved diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccines. Characterizing the public health, economic, health system, and individual burden caused by fungal diseases can provide critical insights to promote better prevention and treatment. The development and validation of fungal diagnostic tests that are rapid, accurate, and cost-effective can improve testing practices. Understanding best practices for antifungal prophylaxis can optimize prevention in at-risk populations, while research on antifungal resistance can improve patient outcomes. Investment in vaccines may eliminate certain fungal diseases or lower incidence and mortality. Public health research priorities and approaches may vary by fungal pathogen.

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