Fungal Eye Infections: New Hosts, Novel Emerging Pathogens but No New Treatments?
AbstractPurpose of ReviewWe sought to explore the current incidence and associated risk factors associated with fungal eye infections. We also reviewed new diagnostic strategies and recent clinical studies exploring the use of topical and oral antifungal agents.Recent FindingsIncidence and associated risks continue to vary with geographic region, and access to timely healthcare. Nosocomial fungal endophthalmitis can result from minor surgical procedures to the eye. Molecular methods offer increasing diagnostic utility. Clinical treatment studies have mainly focussed on the treatment of fungal keratitis and have been conduc...
Source: Current Fungal Infection Reports - March 22, 2018 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
Antifungal Prophylaxis in Children Receiving Antineoplastic Chemotherapy
AbstractPurpose of the reviewThe purpose of this study was to summarize data on available antifungal prophylaxis of invasive fungal disease (IFD) in children and when it should be administered during antineoplastic chemotherapy.Recent findingsAntifungal prophylaxis should be considered when incidence of IFD is ≥ 10%, as acute myeloblastic leukemia, high-risk acute lymphoblastic leukemia, and second-line therapy for any relapsing leukemia. In absence of specific pediatric studies, data from adults indicate that triazoles, especially posaconazole tablets, could represent the most attractive option, even if some troubles ...
Source: Current Fungal Infection Reports - March 2, 2018 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
Antifungal Dosing Considerations in Patients Undergoing Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe incidence of systemic fungal infections is increasing among patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). Acute kidney injury (AKI) occurs in one third of ICU patients and approximately 5% require renal replacement therapy (RRT). Among those requiring RRT, continuous RRT (CRRT) is used in more than 70% of cases. This review aims to summarize antifungal dosing management in ICU patients receiving CRRT.Recent FindingsFor most antifungal agents, including new azoles such as posaconazole and isavuconazole, CRRT does not significantly affect antifungal pharmacokinetics (PK) mainly due to drug ...
Source: Current Fungal Infection Reports - March 1, 2018 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
A Case for Antifungal Stewardship
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe expanding utilization of limited available antifungal agents has led to a pressing need to implement interventions to ensure appropriate usage. The global emergence of resistant, difficult-to-treat invasive fungal infections among the most vulnerable patient populations is a call to action to develop a multifaceted antifungal stewardship approach.Recent FindingsCandida species demonstrating multi-drug resistance, including highly resistantCandida auris, are emerging threats. Azole-resistantAspergillus fumigatus, likely initially originating in the environment, likewise presents a treatment chal...
Source: Current Fungal Infection Reports - March 1, 2018 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
Challenges in the Diagnosis of Invasive Fungal Infections in Immunocompromised Hosts
AbstractPurpose of reviewThe expanding population of immunocompromised patients coupled with the recognition of a growing number of different species of fungi responsible for diseases in such hosts makes the diagnosis of invasive fungal infection (IFI) a challenging task. The recent advances and challenges in the diagnosis of IFI in the setting of immunocompromised hosts are reviewed. The advantages and limitations of histopathology and the role of culture-independent methods, such as those based on the use of nucleic acids applied to fresh and formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded sections, besides culture- and non-culture-ba...
Source: Current Fungal Infection Reports - March 1, 2018 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
Pathogenesis and Pathology of Invasive Aspergillosis
AbstractPurpose of ReviewInvasive aspergillosis occurs in immunosuppressed individuals and is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Understanding the host defenses and pathogen characters is important in the causation of disease.Recent FindingsNeutropenia and/or corticosteroid administration increase the risk of invasive infections and majority are due toAspergillus fumigatus. The size of the conidia, thermotolerance, hydrophobins and melanin on conidial surface, adaptability to host environment, and angioinvasive nature contribute to pathogenecity. The large conidial size, hot and humid environment, and constant e...
Source: Current Fungal Infection Reports - March 1, 2018 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
Epidemiology of Histoplasmosis
AbstractPurpose of ReviewHistoplasma capsulatum is an environmental fungus that contributes significant morbidity and mortality throughout the globe, especially in immunocompromised hosts. This review presents current data on the understanding of histoplasmosis epidemiology, including changing incidence among geographic regions and patient populations with increased risk.Recent FindingsGlobal cases are more frequently identified due to the HIV epidemic, an increasing number of immunocompromised patients, and improved diagnostic capabilities. The global distribution of histoplasmosis extends to several countries in Central ...
Source: Current Fungal Infection Reports - March 1, 2018 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
Emergomyces : a New Genus of Dimorphic Fungal Pathogens Causing Disseminated Disease among Immunocompromised Persons Globally
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe emergence of a group of previously unknown or unrecognized dimorphic fungal species causing systemic human disease resulted in taxonomic shifts and the creation of a new genus,Emergomyces, within Onygenales. We review the morphology, taxonomy, physiology, and ecology ofEmergomyces spp., and the epidemiology, clinicopathology, diagnosis, and management of disease.Recent FindingsEmergomyces species have been reported as causes of human disease in Europe, Asia, Africa, and North America.Es. pasteurianus is most cosmopolitan, andEs. africanus, in southern Africa, causes the largest reported disease...
Source: Current Fungal Infection Reports - March 1, 2018 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
Antifungal Dosing Considerations in Patients Undergoing Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe incidence of systemic fungal infections is increasing among patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). Acute kidney injury (AKI) occurs in one third of ICU patients and approximately 5% require renal replacement therapy (RRT). Among those requiring RRT, continuous RRT (CRRT) is used in more than 70% of cases. This review aims to summarize antifungal dosing management in ICU patients receiving CRRT.Recent FindingsFor most antifungal agents, including new azoles such as posaconazole and isavuconazole, CRRT does not significantly affect antifungal pharmacokinetics (PK) mainly due to drug ...
Source: Current Fungal Infection Reports - February 8, 2018 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
Challenges in the Diagnosis of Invasive Fungal Infections in Immunocompromised Hosts
AbstractPurpose of reviewThe expanding population of immunocompromised patients coupled with the recognition of a growing number of different species of fungi responsible for diseases in such hosts makes the diagnosis of invasive fungal infection (IFI) a challenging task. The recent advances and challenges in the diagnosis of IFI in the setting of immunocompromised hosts are reviewed. The advantages and limitations of histopathology and the role of culture-independent methods, such as those based on the use of nucleic acids applied to fresh and formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded sections, besides culture- and non-culture-ba...
Source: Current Fungal Infection Reports - January 24, 2018 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
Pathogenesis and Pathology of Invasive Aspergillosis
AbstractPurpose of ReviewInvasive aspergillosis occurs in immunosuppressed individuals and is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Understanding the host defenses and pathogen characters is important in the causation of disease.Recent FindingsNeutropenia and/or corticosteroid administration increase the risk of invasive infections and majority are due toAspergillus fumigatus. The size of the conidia, thermotolerance, hydrophobins and melanin on conidial surface, adaptability to host environment, and angioinvasive nature contribute to pathogenecity. The large conidial size, hot and humid environment, and constant e...
Source: Current Fungal Infection Reports - January 23, 2018 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
Epidemiology of Histoplasmosis
AbstractPurpose of ReviewHistoplasma capsulatum is an environmental fungus that contributes significant morbidity and mortality throughout the globe, especially in immunocompromised hosts. This review presents current data on the understanding of histoplasmosis epidemiology, including changing incidence among geographic regions and patient populations with increased risk.Recent FindingsGlobal cases are more frequently identified due to the HIV epidemic, an increasing number of immunocompromised patients, and improved diagnostic capabilities. The global distribution of histoplasmosis extends to several countries in Central ...
Source: Current Fungal Infection Reports - January 16, 2018 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
A Case for Antifungal Stewardship
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe expanding utilization of limited available antifungal agents has led to a pressing need to implement interventions to ensure appropriate usage. The global emergence of resistant, difficult-to-treat invasive fungal infections among the most vulnerable patient populations is a call to action to develop a multifaceted antifungal stewardship approach.Recent FindingsCandida species demonstrating multi-drug resistance, including highly resistantCandida auris, are emerging threats. Azole-resistantAspergillus fumigatus, likely initially originating in the environment, likewise presents a treatment chal...
Source: Current Fungal Infection Reports - January 15, 2018 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
Erratum to: Harnessing Whole Genome Sequencing in Medical Mycology
(Source: Current Fungal Infection Reports)
Source: Current Fungal Infection Reports - December 1, 2017 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
