New Study Flags Poor Fungal Diagnosis in Odisha
A new study has raised concern over the poor state of fungal disease diagnosis in Odisha, especially in government medical colleges and hospitals. Researchers found that although many institutions have basic laboratory facilities, most still lack trained specialists, advanced testing methods, and proper quality checks. As a result, serious fungal infections may go undetected or get diagnosed late.
The study appeared in the Indian Journal of Medical Microbiology on May 15. Experts from AIIMS Bhubaneswar, Indian Council of Medical Research, SLN Medical College and Hospital, and a private hospital jointly carried out the research.
Researchers assessed fungal testing facilities in 19 medical colleges and two corporate hospitals across Odisha. Their findings showed that the state urgently needs stronger laboratory systems and more trained manpower to improve fungal disease diagnosis in Odisha.
Most Medical Colleges Lack Dedicated Mycology Staff
The study found that 90.5% of medical colleges had separate mycology sections, which are laboratory units that diagnose fungal infections. However, none of these centres had full time dedicated mycology experts.
Instead, only 57.1% of institutions depended on part time staff to manage fungal testing. Researchers said this shortage of trained professionals directly affects the quality and speed of diagnosis.
Dr Durga Madhab Satapathy, director of medical education and training, said authorities will review the findings carefully. He added that officials will examine the staffing situation in medical college mycology sections before taking further steps.
Advanced Fungal Testing Still Missing
Although most centres offered basic microscopy services, only 66.7% performed fungal culture tests, which are important for confirming infections.
More importantly, the study revealed that Odisha’s hospitals completely lacked advanced fungal diagnostic tools. None of the laboratories provided important tests such as beta D glucan testing or Histoplasma antigen detection. These tests help doctors identify life threatening fungal infections early.
Researchers also found weak quality control systems. Only 4.8% of laboratories participated in external quality assurance programmes, which are essential for maintaining accurate and reliable test results.
Low Testing Numbers Suggest Underdiagnosis
The report highlighted another serious issue linked to fungal disease diagnosis in Odisha. Nearly 90.5% of centres processed fewer than 50 fungal samples every week.
According to researchers, such low laboratory use may indicate that fungal infections are either underdiagnosed or not being referred properly for testing. This becomes especially worrying because India already carries a significant burden of fungal diseases.
Dr Diptanu Paul, assistant professor in the department of microbiology at AIIMS Bhubaneswar, said better staff training and stronger quality assurance systems could improve diagnosis significantly.
Drug Resistance May Become a Bigger Threat
The study also found major gaps in antifungal susceptibility testing, which helps doctors understand whether fungal infections will respond to treatment.
Only 42.9% of centres performed such testing, and even those facilities tested only yeast infections. None of the hospitals offered susceptibility testing for mould infections, many of which can become severe or drug resistant.
Experts warned that without proper fungal surveillance, resistant infections may spread silently and become harder to treat in the future.
Rural Healthcare Challenges Add to the Problem
Researchers said Odisha’s largely rural population and limited healthcare infrastructure make the situation more difficult. Many healthcare centres still struggle with limited resources and low awareness about fungal infections.
Dr Vinaykumar Hallur, additional professor in microbiology at AIIMS Bhubaneswar, stressed the need for stronger coordination between microbiology laboratories and clinical departments. He said regular communication can help doctors identify fungal infections earlier and improve patient care.
Conclusion
Globally, fungal infections lead to nearly 3.8 million deaths every year. Researchers added that around 4.1% of India’s population suffers from fungal diseases.
Experts believe Odisha must urgently invest in laboratory infrastructure, specialist training, and quality assurance systems to strengthen fungal disease diagnosis in Odisha. Without timely intervention, dangerous and drug resistant fungal infections could continue to remain unnoticed.
Source: Inputs from various media Sources
I’m a pharmacist with a strong background in health sciences. I hold a BSc from Delhi University and a pharmacy degree from PDM University. I write articles and daily health news while interviewing doctors to bring you the latest insights. In my free time, you’ll find me at the gym or lost in a sci-fi novel.
- Health News and Updates,People Forum
- 26 May 2026
- 11:00
