People with low levels of immunity are vulnerable to diseases, infections

Immunity compromised patients, or those who have low levels of immunity are not well equipped to withstand attacks from pathogens like fungus. This makes them vulnerable to a host of diseases and infections. People who suffer from compromised immunity are usually those who undergo critical surgeries, 10 to 15 per cent of fungal infection cases occur in hospital settings, and consume a high dosage of drugs as part of prescribed therapy, for example, patients with HIV, cancer or uncontrolled diabetes. 

Treatments like chemotherapy suppress the immune system. In case of organ transplant, immunity is suppressed so that the new organ is accepted by the body, which would otherwise be rejected by the natural immune system. Unprescribed or prolonged antibiotic abuse, consumption of steroids, and other factors may also contribute to low immunity. 

Aspergillosis and candidiasisare the most common invasive fungal infections that occur in hospitals. They can be community acquired as well, especially from soil or environmental pathogens. The infections tend to flare up in the hospital, when the patient is undergoing some other treatment and their immunity is low. Fungi are common in our natural environment. It is almost impossible to have a completely uncontaminated space, even in hospitals. Invasive fungal infections are difficult to diagnose and treat. doctors identify these infections by using diagnostic testing like surrogate markers. Fungal infections may also require prolonged treatment that may last for around six weeks. Immunity compromised patients undergo heavy medical treatment for their serious illnesses. Contracting invasive fungal infection during this period makes cases more complicated as doctors need to balance the treatment of major medical conditions like cancer, while treating them with adequate antifungal therapy to boost immunity.