Stress-induced immune dysfunction and fungal infections: Mechanisms linking psychoneuroimmunology to invasive aspergillosis
Year: 2026
Type: article
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.
Author: Mahin Tavakoli
Language: English
Subfield: Infectious Diseases
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7223652177