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Vol. 17 No. 1 (2026)

April 2026

Stress-induced immune dysfunction and fungal infections: Mechanisms linking psychoneuroimmunology to invasive aspergillosis

  • Mahin Tavakoli

Archives of Advances in Biosciences, Vol. 17 No. 1 (2026), 28 April 2026
https://doi.org/10.22037/aab.v17i1.52657 Published: 2026-10-24

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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.

Keywords:
  • Stress
  • Microbial infections
  • Fungal overgrowth
  • Microbiota

How to Cite

Tavakoli, M. (2026). Stress-induced immune dysfunction and fungal infections: Mechanisms linking psychoneuroimmunology to invasive aspergillosis. Archives of Advances in Biosciences, 17(1). https://doi.org/10.22037/aab.v17i1.52657
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