Fungal Infection Cases Rose in United States

Researchers identified 49 cases of Cladophialophora bantiana from 2009 through July 2026.

Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Diseases — General

Isometric editorial illustration of a glass petri dish containing a fungal sample on a clinical workbench. — A clinical laboratory report identified 49 cases of the rare fungal infection Cladophialophora bantiana in the United States between 2009 and 2026. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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A clinical laboratory report tracked 49 confirmed and probable cases of the rare fungal infection Cladophialophora bantiana across the United States between 2009 and July 2026. Data shows the annual case count significantly increased between 2023 and 2025.

Why it matters

The findings highlight a concerning rise in this serious fungal infection, which carries a case-fatality rate of up to 70%. Public health experts suggest that current data may still be an underestimate of the true infection incidence across the country.

The study identified 49 cases with a median patient age of 68 years, showing a detection rate of 26 cases per 1,000 specimens in 2025. Infections were primarily found in the central nervous system at 88% and lung tissue at 12%.

The players

University of Washington

This institution hosted the clinical reference laboratory that conducted the identification and tracking of the infection cases.

The details

Cladophialophora bantiana is transmitted through direct inoculation following a cutaneous injury or through inhalation. Diagnosis of the infection typically requires molecular testing of tissue specimens collected from patients.

Annual cases ranged from one to five between 2009 and 2023.
Eight cases were identified in 2024.
Fourteen cases were identified in 2025.
The study period spanned from January 2009 to July 2026.

Health Landscape

This reporting follows the surveillance patterns established by the University of Washington clinical reference laboratory diagnostic protocols. The data indicates a distinct shift in detection rates for this rare fungal pathogen over the last several years.

Individuals with unexplained respiratory or neurological symptoms should consult medical providers who can utilize molecular testing to rule out rare fungal infections. High-risk patients should be aware that the infection can occur through minor skin injuries or environmental exposure.

The takeaway

Healthcare providers should maintain a high index of suspicion for fungal pathogens when assessing patients with central nervous system or pulmonary tissue abnormalities. Early diagnostic testing remains the most critical factor in addressing infections that have a high case-fatality rate.