Update on the Diagnosis of Candidemia and Invasive Candidiasis
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThis review summarizes the fungal diagnostic tests and clinical prediction rules available for use in patients at risk for developing invasive candidiasis (IC). The advantages and limitations of each method is described based on available literature.Recent FindingsAvailable studies show elevated sensitivity and specificity of novel diagnostic tests such as T2Candida and fungal sequencing. They still remain to be incorporated into routine clinical practice.SummaryThe use B-D glucan, a major fungal wall component, is a sensitive tool to diagnose IC when consecutive positive results are found. Consecu...
Source: Current Fungal Infection Reports - November 22, 2019 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
Congenital Cutaneous Candidiasis: Uncommon Entity or Underdiagnosed?
AbstractPurpose of ReviewWe have created a general review of the disease in this article, especially of the clinical features, diagnosis, new treatments and preventive measures.SummaryCongenital cutaneous candidiasis is a vertically transmitted fungal infection which affects term and premature newborn. It is considered as an underdiagnosed pathology, and infection caused byCandida albicans is considered the most common aetiology.Recent FindingsClinically characterized by erythematous papular lesions and pustules with collarette scale. It can also affect other organs and systems by causing an invasive fungal infection. Diag...
Source: Current Fungal Infection Reports - November 17, 2019 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
AIDS-Related Mycoses in the Paediatric Population
AbstractPurpose of ReviewFungal infections account for significant morbidity and mortality in HIV-infected children particularly in developing countries where there is lack of skilled personnel and infrastructure to make the appropriate diagnosis. This is further compounded by poor availability and accessibility of the antifungals needed to treat these infections. The purpose of this review is to highlight the paucity of data on AIDS-related mycoses in the paediatric age group and make appropriate recommendations to address challenges associated with mycoses in this population.Recent FindingsThese infections are categorise...
Source: Current Fungal Infection Reports - November 15, 2019 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
Update of Vulvovaginal Candidiasis in Pregnant and Non-pregnant Patients
AbstractPurpose of the ReviewCandida albicans vulvovaginitis is one of the most frequent symptomatic infections in women and its incidence increases in reproductive age and pregnancy. Currently there are more specific and sensitive tests to identifyCandida species that are resistant to antifungal agents, such as PCR and MALDI TOF MS, in order to improve prognosis.Recent FindingsThe genusCandida is part of the microbiota in humans; however, many species can become pathogenic. Vulvovaginitis caused by non-albicansCandida are becoming very important due to their high levels of antifungal resistance, which makes treatment diff...
Source: Current Fungal Infection Reports - November 15, 2019 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
Tinea Gladiatorum: an Update
This article summarizes the main epidemiological characteristics of tinea gladiatorum, new outbreaks that have been presented over the years, and theories about their transmission, diagnosis, treatment, and prophylactic measures.Recent FindingsDespite the controversy, recent studies defined that the transmission of tinea gladiatorum is by skin-to-skin contact and through fomites. Once the infection is acquired, it is difficult to control due to its rapid dissemination to other wrestlers, so great importance has been taken to prevention.SummaryDespite dermatophytosis still being considered as one of the major public health ...
Source: Current Fungal Infection Reports - November 15, 2019 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
Fungal Necrotizing Skin and Soft Tissue Infections
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThis review summarizes the medical literature regarding fungal necrotizing skin and soft tissue infections (NSTI). The available epidemiologic, microbiologic, treatment, and outcome data are presented by the most common causal organisms of this disease process.Recent FindingsWith the exception of cutaneous mucormycosis, which often progresses to necrotizing infection, clinical data for other fungal NSTI are largely limited to case reports and small case series. Fungal NSTI are rare but some data suggests that incidence may be increasing. These infections occur in both immunocompromised and immunoco...
Source: Current Fungal Infection Reports - November 6, 2019 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
Chromoblastomycosis in Solid Organ Transplant Recipients
AbstractPurpose of reviewThere is growing recognition of melanized fungi as uncommon but important causes of infection among solid organ transplant recipients. Chromoblastomycosis and phaeohyphomycosis exist at opposing ends of the spectrum of disease caused by these fungi. We aim to systematically review the reports of chromoblastomycosis among transplant recipients to assess for trends in epidemiology and clinical outcomes.Recent FindingsWe identified 19 reported cases of histologically confirmed chromoblastomycosis among solid organ transplant recipients published between 1985 and 2018. Despite these patients ’ impair...
Source: Current Fungal Infection Reports - November 6, 2019 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
Pityriasis Versicolor in Children and Adolescents: an Update
AbstractPurpose of ReviewPityriasis versicolor (PV) is a superficial mycosis that it can occur at any age, even in newborns. In this review, we will describe epidemiological data, mycological characteristics of yeast, pathogenesis and clinical characteristics of the disease, different diagnostic resources, and the current recommendations for treatment.Recent FindingsThe typical morphology and topography of PV allow us to make a quick diagnosis, but atypical presentations have been described. Diagnostic tools, such as dermoscopy, can also reveal patterns that allow the evaluation of characteristics of scales and pigment in ...
Source: Current Fungal Infection Reports - November 6, 2019 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
Epidemiology of Endemic Mycosis in Children
AbstractPurpose of the ReviewThis review is aimed to overview clinical and epidemiological aspects, as well as the diagnosis and management of four endemic mycosis in children.Recent FindingsThe studies available in the specialized literature concerning endemic mycosis in children are scarce and have great variation due to the characteristic heterogeneity of diseases.SummaryThe clinical image of these diseases shows clear differences as well as their expression in immunocompromised patients. An understanding of the geographic range, typical manifestations, diagnostic methods, and treatment of the endemic mycoses is key in ...
Source: Current Fungal Infection Reports - November 6, 2019 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
Antifungal Resistance Testing and Implications for Management
AbstractPurpose of ReviewAntifungal agents are the mainstay in the management of patients with invasive fungal disease. However, resistance to current antifungal agents can develop with clinical use, which may negatively impact clinical outcomes. We review the strengths and weaknesses of antifungal susceptibility testing and how the detection of resistance, either phenotypically or molecularly, correlates with clinical outcomes.Recent FindingsPhenotypic resistance is associated with worse outcomes, although this must be taken in context with other patient factors. Newer molecular assays have been developed that have shown ...
Source: Current Fungal Infection Reports - October 22, 2019 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
Pneumocystis jirovecii Pneumonia: Epidemiology, Clinical Manifestation and Diagnosis
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe purpose of this study is to provide an understanding of the increased range of patient cohorts at risk ofPneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP) and describe typical clinical presentations together with advances in diagnostic assays and strategies.Recent FindingsThe range of immuno-compromised patients at risk of PCP continues to expand. Apart from human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive patients, those with solid tumours or suffering from haematological malignancy, solid organ transplant recipients or with autoimmune and inflammatory conditions receiving immuno-modulating therapies and pati...
Source: Current Fungal Infection Reports - September 13, 2019 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
Onychomycosis in Patients Living with HIV/AIDS
AbstractPurpose of ReviewAs both onychomycosis and HIV/AIDS are frequently encountered, we aimed to make a review of the existent information to this moment, including classification, evaluation and treatment.Recent FindingsThe new description of dermatophytes will surely originate changes in the classification and probably in the therapeutic approach. Also, we must be watchful for the modifications that may develop in this pathology with the newer antirretrovirals which are in constant evolution and could modify the patients ’ response to dermatophytosis.SummaryAt this moment, we know that onychomycosis is very common i...
Source: Current Fungal Infection Reports - August 27, 2019 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
The Human Lung Mycobiome in Chronic Respiratory Disease: Limitations of Methods and Our Current Understanding
AbstractPurpose of the ReviewThis review summarises the characteristics of the lung mycobiome in patients with chronic respiratory diseases and fungal lung diseases. We have also reviewed the limitations of the current methods in mycobiome studies.Recent FindingsAvailable studies in the impacts of the mycobiome in chronic and fungal lung diseases are scarce and comparison of the available studies is hindered by heterogeneity in the sample sizes, methods and patient selection.SummaryThe impact of the diversity and composition of the lung mycobiome in chronic and fungal lung diseases is poorly understood. Most studies involv...
Source: Current Fungal Infection Reports - August 4, 2019 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
Clinical Aspects of Immune Damage in Cryptococcosis
AbstractPurpose of ReviewTo perform an extensive review of recent literature and provide an update on the current epidemiology, clinical features, and management of cryptococcal disease with a focus on the differences between patients depending on their immune status.Recent FindingsEmerging literature has highlighted the inflammatory pathophysiology and varied manifestations of cryptococcal infections in patients who are apparently healthy but paradoxically have a more critical clinical course compared with their immunosuppressed counterparts.SummaryNon-HIV cryptococcal meningitis has greater mortality compared with that s...
Source: Current Fungal Infection Reports - July 21, 2019 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
Correction to: (New) Methods for Detection of Aspergillus fumigatus Resistance in Clinical Samples
Funding information was incomplete. The correct information is given below. (Source: Current Fungal Infection Reports)
Source: Current Fungal Infection Reports - July 9, 2019 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
