Top 5 Most Viewed AFWG Videos On YouTube

No matter what your level of experience – just starting out or an experienced clinician seeking the latest updates in medical mycology – you can do no wrong with our YouTube channel!  We have the most comprehensive online repository of educational videos on the diagnosis and management of invasive fungal disease. With topics ranging from “Why you should consider a career in mycology” to “The importance of imaging in fungal diagnostics”, our YouTube channel has much for you and your “fungal” interests.

We thought we’d see which videos came up trumps with our viewers and the results were interesting. While it was no surprise ‘black fungus’ took pole position given its emergence in the COVID-19 pandemic, the overall line-up showcased new developments and challenging conditions.

#1: Management of Mucormycosis – Dr Atul Patel

Mucormycosis is a rare life-threatening infection often affecting the immunocompromised. Given its rapid disease progression and challenging management, the ‘black fungus’ should always be considered a medical emergency.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, doctors in India reported a sharp rise in mucormycosis cases associated with the use of steroids, a critical treatment for those with severe COVID-19. Importantly, these cases were associated with significant morbidity and mortality, highlighting the need to balance the optimized and judicious use of steroids in patients with COVID-19.

In this presentation, Dr Patel discusses the risk factors, common sites of infection, diagnosis and management of mucormycosis.

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#2: Fungal Rhinosinusitis: A Snapshot – Professor Arunaloke Chakrabarti

ISHAM president and chairman of the AFWG, Professor Chakrabarti provides an overview of fungal diseases of the nose and paranasal sinuses, and how the competency of the immune system significantly determines the severity of fungal rhinosinusitis. There are also many epidemiologic and pathological mechanisms, including geographical variations, observed in chronic fungal rhinosinusitis and allergy, and antifungal therapy is required to manage fungal infections attributed to the invasive varieties.

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#3: Candida auris Emergence – Dr Methee Chayakulkeeree

Dr Chayakulkeeree provides insights into the emergence of C. auris and why this often multidrug-resistant fungal pathogen is a cause for concern. Dr Chayakulkeeree also discusses how clinicians can identify C. auris, its mechanisms of resistance and recommendations to stop its spread. Importantly, hospital infection control policies should be developed and strictly implemented as key for the prevention and control of this bad fungal bug.

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#4: Understanding Deep Dermatophytosis – Dr Pei-Lun Sun             

In this “Deep Dermatophytosis” presentation, Dr Sun reviews the clinical presentations, histopathology, risk factors, treatment, and prognosis of rare and invasive dermatophyte infections, which may be challenging to manage on the ground. Dr Sun also highlights that an accurate diagnosis of deep dermatophytosis relies on performing a skin biopsy for histopathology and fungal culture. Additionally, the use of systemic antifungal agents to manage deep dermatophytosis are also discussed.

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#5: The New Kids on The Fungal Block – Professor Deborah Marriott

Professor Marriott highlights the increasing importance of fungal organisms in various clinical settings, specifically Pneumocystis jirovecii (classically associated with the opportunistic infection of pneumocystis pneumonia among HIV+ patients) and Microsporidia.  Professor Marriott also emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis and intervention due to the high morbidity and mortality from infections due to these unexpected pathogens.

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