Stress-induced immune dysfunction and fungal infections: Mechanisms linking psychoneuroimmunology to invasive aspergillosis
Archives of Advances in Biosciences,
Vol. 17 No. 1 (2026),
28 April 2026
https://doi.org/10.22037/aab.v17i1.52657
Abstract
Contex: Stress-induced states, such as anxiety and depression, can disrupt the microbiota's normal regulation of fungal overgrowth.
Evidence Acquisition: We searched the PubMed database for studies reporting on criteria such as psychological stress, immune system dysregulation, and microbial infection susceptibility
Results: Of particular concern is the relationship between stress and susceptibility to microbial infections. Microbial infections complicated by systemic inflammatory responses represent a significant public health challenge. Furthermore, certain treatments for microbial infections, including antifungal therapy and surgery for invasive aspergillosis (IA), can induce side effects that may exacerbate stress and anxiety.
Conclusion: This review has elucidated how stress influences susceptibility to microbial infections, particularly IA. The findings suggest that effective stress management is important in preventing and treating microbial infections.
- Stress
- Microbial infections
- Fungal overgrowth
- Microbiota
How to Cite
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