his study aims to retrospectively compare fungal positivity rates between the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and the post-pandemic periods. During the pandemic, Candida species had a positivity rate of 17.36%, and Aspergillus had a rate of 2.22%. Post-pandemic, these rates decreased to 9.29% and 1.00%, respectively. The overall fungal positivity rate decreased from 9.15% during the pandemic to 5.13% post-pandemic. Statistical analysis revealed a significant decrease in fungal positivity rates post-pandemic (p < 0.01). These findings underscore the effectiveness of post-pandemic healthcare interventions and infection control strategies.

The study aims to retrospectively compare fungal positivity rates by focusing on Candida and Aspergillus species during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and in the post-pandemic period. The dataset includes samples collected during the pandemic period (N=623) and the subsequent post-pandemic period (N=818). Fungal positivity rates were calculated and statistically analyzed using chi-square tests, and significance was determined as p<0.01.

During the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, Candida species showed a positivity rate of 17.36%, while the rate in the post-pandemic period significantly decreased to 9.29% (p=0.002). In contrast, Aspergillus species did not show a significant change in positivity rates between the pandemic (2.22%) and post-pandemic (1.00%) periods (p=0.186, NS).

Overall, the study provides valuable insights into the epidemiology of fungal infections during and after the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, suggesting possible shifts in fungal pathogen prevalence and healthcare priorities. The findings contribute to the development of targeted healthcare strategies and surveillance measures for fungal infections in the post-pandemic era.

Study Design: Retrospective comparative analysis

Data Analysis: Chi-square tests, p<0.01 considered significant

Inclusion Criteria:

Patients over 18 years of age of both genders

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients under 18 years of age,
• Patients whose demographic, clinical and laboratory data investigated in the study could not be accessed, patients who were diagnosed with fungal infection during hospitalization

Patients diagnosed with pneumonia according to clinical, laboratory and radiological data in the chest diseases, infectious diseases and intensive care unit of Hisar HIntercontinental Hospital