Why ESR increases in fungal infection?

Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) increases during fungal infections due to the body's inflammatory response. Fungal infections trigger the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and acute phase reactants, leading to changes in plasma proteins, particularly fibrinogen, which causes red blood cells to clump together and settle more rapidly. This increase in sedimentation reflects the ongoing inflammation and immune response to the fungal pathogens. Consequently, elevated ESR levels can indicate the presence of infection, including fungal infections.