Journal of Fungi
Mind the Gap: A Nationwide Survey on Diagnostic and Therapeutic Capacity for Invasive Fungal Infections in Chile
By Cinthia Carleo, Christian Oliver Conde Abeliuk, Cecilia V. Tapia and 3 others.
Abstract
Background
Invasive fungal infections can cause morbidity and mortality, particularly among immunocompromised and critically ill patients, making them an important global public health problem. Outcomes depend on timely diagnosis, laboratory capacity, and access to effective antifungal therapy. As national data describing these resources in Chile remain limited, we aimed to characterize national gaps in mycological diagnostic and therapeutic access.
Methods
We conducted a nationwide survey of physicians, pharmacists, and laboratory professionals representing Chilean hospitals. Multiple responses from the same institution were consolidated. A 15-item diagnostic and therapeutic access score was developed to assess differences between hospitals.