Fungal Infections with Ibrutinib and Other Small-Molecule Kinase Inhibitors
AbstractPurpose of ReviewSmall-molecule kinase inhibitors (SMKIs) have revolutionized the management of malignant and autoimmune disorders. Emerging clinical reports point towards an increased risk for invasive fungal infections (IFIs) in patients treated with certain SMKIs. In this mini-review, we highlight representative examples of SMKIs that have been associated with or are expected to give rise to IFIs.Recent FindingsThe clinical use of the Bruton ’s tyrosine kinase inhibitor ibrutinib as well as other FDA-approved SMKIs has been associated with IFIs. The fungal infection susceptibility associated with the clinical ...
Source: Current Fungal Infection Reports - July 4, 2019 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
Genetic Regulation of the Host-Fungus Interaction in the Pathogenesis of Aspergillosis
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThere is significant interindividual variability in the development and progression of fungal diseases, most notably invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA). The integration of individual traits into clinically valid procedures to predict the risk and progression of infection, and the efficacy of antifungal prophylaxis and therapy, will change the current healthcare landscape regarding the management of patients at risk of IPA and, likely, other fungal infections.Recent FindingsOver the last decade, an expanding number of common polymorphisms associated with IPA have been reported, adding to the inf...
Source: Current Fungal Infection Reports - June 27, 2019 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
(New) Methods for Detection of Aspergillus fumigatus Resistance in Clinical Samples
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe incidence of invasive aspergillosis has increased substantially over the past few decades, accompanied by a change in susceptibility patterns ofAspergillus fumigatus with increasing resistance observed against triazole antifungals, including voriconazole and isavuconazole, the most commonly used antifungal agents for the disease. Culture-based methods for determining triazole resistance are still the gold standard but are time consuming and lack sensitivity. We sought to provide an update on non-culture-based methods for detecting resistance patterns toAspergillus.Recent FindingsNew molecular-b...
Source: Current Fungal Infection Reports - June 19, 2019 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
Cryptococcal Pathogenicity and Morphogenesis
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe aim of this review is to give an overall idea ofCryptococcus biology paying special attention to its capacity to adapt through its morphogenetic program to the hostile host environment. This morphogenetic program consists of a significant increase in capsule size and the formation of Titan cells.Recent FindingsResearch on Titan cells had been hampered by the need of obtaining these cells from the lungs of infected mice. The production of Titan cells in vitro has supposed a major step in understanding the role of this morphotype in the virulence ofCryptococcus.SummaryIn this regard,Cryptococcus ...
Source: Current Fungal Infection Reports - May 8, 2019 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
Histoplasmosis: Epidemiology, Diagnosis, and Clinical Manifestations
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThis review highlights the epidemiology, diagnosis, and clinical manifestations of histoplasmosis.Recent FindingsThere is an increasing awareness of histoplasmosis in Central and South America in patients with human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS), and deaths from histoplasmosis in this region may outnumber deaths from tuberculosis. Diagnosis in this region is hampered by lack of rapid diagnostic tests. Growth ofH. capsulatum in culture is definitive, but takes weeks. In areas in which antigen testing is available, this has become an important rapid diagnostic t...
Source: Current Fungal Infection Reports - May 6, 2019 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
Updates in Ocular Antifungal Pharmacotherapy: Formulation and Clinical Perspectives
AbstractPurpose of ReviewIn this review, a compilation on the current antifungal pharmacotherapy is discussed, with emphases on the updates in the formulation and clinical approaches of the routinely used antifungal drugs in ocular therapy.Recent FindingsNatamycin (Natacyn ® eye drops) remains the only approved medication in the management of ocular fungal infections. This monotherapy shows therapeutic outcomes in superficial ocular fungal infections, but in case of deep-seated mycoses or endophthalmitis, successful therapeutic outcomes are infrequent, as a result of which alternative therapies are sought. In such cases, ...
Source: Current Fungal Infection Reports - May 1, 2019 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
Non- Aspergillus Fungal Infections in Chronic Granulomatous Disease
AbstractPurpose of ReviewManagement ofAspergillus infection in chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) patients remains a challenge even in new azoles era. However, epidemiology, diagnosis, and management of non-Aspergillus fungal infection (NAFI) in CGD setting are poorly described.Recent FindingsNAFI appears to be rare in CGD patients and receiving antifungal prophylaxis. Clinical presentation is not specific of fungal species and patients often suffer from mild disease with prolonged course. While candidiasis and mucormycosis are also common in other immunocompromised population, infections caused byPhellinus tropicalis,Tri...
Source: Current Fungal Infection Reports - May 1, 2019 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
Usefulness of Antifungal Reference In Vitro Susceptibility Tests as a Guide in Therapeutic Management
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThis review provides information on the utility of reference antifungal susceptibility testing methods in the clinical setting.Recent FindingsClinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI)/European Committee for Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing breakpoints (BPs) as predictors of therapy response (reported as either “cured” or “failure”) and epidemiological cutoff endpoints (ECVs/ECOFFS) of mutants (harboring specific resistance mechanisms) have been established.SummaryAlthough ECVs are available for other species and agents and for commercial methods, only reference triazole and ech...
Source: Current Fungal Infection Reports - February 26, 2019 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
Dosing Antifungals in Obesity: a Literature Review
AbstractPurpose of ReviewTo summarize the available evidence regarding antifungal dosing in obese adults as well as to provide meaningful guidance on the dosing of each antifungal agent in obese patients.Recent FindingsThe pharmacokinetic evidence regarding dosing antifungal agents in obesity is limited. Fluconazole ’s volume of distribution (VD) is influenced by BMI. Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) studies provide some insights into dosing voriconazole in obesity, but not with posaconazole. Isavuconazole seems to be unaffected by weight. The available data for echinocandins suggests that increased doses ar e likely ne...
Source: Current Fungal Infection Reports - February 6, 2019 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
Mucormycosis: Pathogenesis and Pathology
AbstractPurpose of ReviewMucormycosis is an opportunistic fungal infection associated with high mortality. Understanding the pathogenesis and the resultant pathology in various organs enables to improve early diagnosis and treatment options.Recent FindingsAn immunocompetent host with intact skin/mucosal barrier and innate immunity is usually resistant to the infection; however, natural disasters and trauma account for the disease in healthy hosts. Neutropenia, immunosuppression, hyperglycemia, ketoacidosis, and other factors impair host defenses and make increased serum iron available to the pathogen for its growth. The fu...
Source: Current Fungal Infection Reports - January 19, 2019 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
Epidemiology of Emerging Fungal Infections in ICU
AbstractPurpose of ReviewGlobally, a change has been noticed in the epidemiology of fungal infections in the intensive care units (ICUs). The current review provides an insight into the current epidemiology of emerging fungal infections with special reference to their prevalence, spectrum of pathogen, outbreaks, and emergence of antifungal resistance reported from different ICUs of the world.Recent FindingsThe ICUs across the world are witnessing multiple changes in the epidemiology of fungal infections including change in prevalence and spectrum of etiological agents, new susceptible risk groups, geographical variations, ...
Source: Current Fungal Infection Reports - January 15, 2019 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
Correction to: Pressing Priorities for Mycetoma Control and Prevention
In the previously published “A Call to Action for Mycetoma,” the title did not accurately reflect the content scope. Therefore, the title should read as “Pressing Priorities for Mycetoma Control and Prevention” (as shown above). (Source: Current Fungal Infection Reports)
Source: Current Fungal Infection Reports - November 20, 2018 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
Pityriasis Versicolor: Treatment Update
AbstractPurpose of ReviewTo address the latest treatments used for pityriasis versicolor and identify those that have proven to be effective in recent publications.Recent FindingsEven thoughMalassezia spp. have shown resistance to antifungals, classical treatments continue to be effective, and other novelty therapies including light therapies have shown promising results in the treatment of this condition.SummaryPityriasis versicolor is a common superficial fungal infection of the skin. There are numerous and diverse topical and systemic therapeutic options that are successful for the treatment and prophylaxis of this myco...
Source: Current Fungal Infection Reports - October 31, 2018 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
Onychomycosis in Children with Down Syndrome
AbstractPurpose of ReviewFungal infection of the nail, known as onychomycosis, occurs more frequently in older age, showing a higher prevalence in pediatric age in recent years. A high rate of dermatological infections befalls in patients with Down syndrome, including onychomycosis, due to a decrease in T and B lymphocytes in number and function, resulting in a disarrangement of cellular and humoral immunity. This has led to several investigations on onychomycosis in children with Down syndrome, so the purpose of this review is to show the available evidence.Recent FindingsThe etiological agents of onychomycosis can be der...
Source: Current Fungal Infection Reports - October 29, 2018 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
Cryptococcosis in Patients with Hematologic Diseases
AbstractPurpose of ReviewIn this paper, we reviewed the epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment of cryptococcosis in patients with hematologic malignancies. We reviewed all case series of cryptococcosis in different hematologic conditions, and looked at epidemiologic trends considering the new antineoplastic drugs introduced in the treatment of hematologic malignancies.Recent FindingsCase series of cryptococcosis in patients with hematologic malignancies are scarce. We identified an increase in the proportion of cases of cryptococcosis occurring in patients with hematologic malignancies, and many case reports of cryptococco...
Source: Current Fungal Infection Reports - October 24, 2018 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
