Fungal Neglected Tropical Diseases

Overview

The fungal diseases chromoblastomycosis, mycetoma, paracoccidioidomycosis, and sporotrichosis are recognized as neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) by the Word Health Organization (WHO). The fungi that cause these infections live in the environment and are most common in subtropical and tropical parts of the Americas, Africa, and Asia.

Fungal NTDs mostly affect people living in socially and economically marginalized communities who often lack access to healthcare and treatment. Left untreated, chromoblastomycosis, mycetoma, paracoccidioidomycosis, and sporotrichosis can cause severe disability and lead to social stigma.