Invasive Fungal Infection in Primary Immunodeficiencies Other Than Chronic Granulomatous Disease
AbstractPurpose of reviewWe aimed to review invasive fungal infections complicating primary immunodeficiencies (PID).Recent findingsSeveral PID predisposing to fungal infections were recently deciphered. CARD9 deficiency selectively predisposes to fungal infections including candidiasis, aspergillosis, deep dermatophytosis, and phaeohyphomycosis, with frequent central nervous system location, especially afterCandida infection. Patients with heterozygousSTAT1 gain-of-function mutations are mostly predisposed to chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis but may also display, even though less frequently, invasive fungal infections. A...
Source: Current Fungal Infection Reports - March 10, 2017 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
Fungal Vaccines and Immunotherapeutics: Current Concepts and Future Challenges
AbstractPurpose of reviewThe remarkable advances in modern medicine have paradoxically resulted in a rapidly expanding population of immunocompromised patients displaying extreme susceptibility to life-threatening fungal infections. There are currently no licensed vaccines, and the prophylaxis and therapy of fungal infections in at-risk individuals remains challenging, contributing to undesirable mortality and morbidity rates. The design of successful antifungal preventive approaches has been hampered by an insufficient understanding of the dynamics of the host-fungus interaction and the mechanisms that underlie heterogeno...
Source: Current Fungal Infection Reports - March 6, 2017 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
Echinocandin Dosing in Critically Ill Patients Undergoing Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy
(Source: Current Fungal Infection Reports)
Source: Current Fungal Infection Reports - February 28, 2017 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
Antifungal Dosing Strategies for Critically Ill Patients
This article provides updates on antifungals, dosing strategies for safe and effective therapy in the critically ill, including special populations, and the understanding of resistance over the last 5 years.Recent findingsReports of adverse effects with echinocandins have risen while antifungal resistance to this class has increased, especially inCandida glabrata. New formulations of posaconazole and isuvaconazole have been developed. Alternative dosing strategies including combination therapy are being evaluated for difficult to treat fungal infections. Other highlights include additional data on dosing patients with se...
Source: Current Fungal Infection Reports - February 8, 2017 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
Pathogenesis of Fungal Infections in Cystic Fibrosis
AbstractFor a long time, the microbiology of cystic fibrosis has been focussed onPseudomonas aeruginosa and associated Gram-negative pathogens. An increasing body of evidence has been compiled demonstrating an important role for moulds and yeasts within this complex patient group. Whether or not fungi are active participants, spectators or transient passersby remain to be elucidated. However, functionally, they do appear to play a contributory role in pathogenesis, albeit we do not know if this is a direct or indirect effect. The following review examines some of the key evidence for the role of fungi in CF pathogenesis. (...
Source: Current Fungal Infection Reports - December 6, 2016 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
Pathogen –Host Interaction of Histoplasma capsulatum : an Update
AbstractPurpose of ReviewHistoplasma capsulatum is a dimorphic fungus endemic to the Americas but is increasingly recognized as a global pathogen. In this review, we describe the most current findings in host evasion, host –pathogen interaction, therapeutics, and vaccines.Recent FindingsRecent advances in the understanding ofH. capsulatum virulence and immunity include the importance of host –pathogen nutrient modulation, immune cell transcriptional regulators, cytokine signaling, and coordination of innate and adaptive immunity.SummaryThe latest developments in our understanding ofH. capsulatum infection lay the found...
Source: Current Fungal Infection Reports - November 20, 2016 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
Epidemiology and Management of Candidiasis in Solid Organ Transplant Recipients
AbstractPurpose of ReviewInvasive candidiasis (IC) is the leading cause of fungal infections in solid organ transplant recipients (SOT). In this article, we aim to review the epidemiology, risk factors, presentation, and management of IC in this population.Recent FindingsCertain risk factors have been associated with IC in SOT recipients. Targeted antifungal prophylaxis for SOT recipients at the highest risk of infection is currently recommended although the choice and duration of antifungal agents remain controversial. Early diagnosis and monitoring of IC in SOT recipients are critical to achieve better outcomes and preve...
Source: Current Fungal Infection Reports - November 16, 2016 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
Update on the Epidemiology of Coccidioidomycosis
AbstractCoccidioidomycosis is an illness caused by the soil-dwelling, dimorphic fungi,Coccidioides immitis andCoccidioides posadasii, which are found primarily in niche ecological zones of the Western Hemisphere. The bulk of infections due toCoccidioides are found within the endemic areas of Arizona, California, Mexico, and Central America. Outcomes run the gamut from asymptomatic to a self-limited or even chronic pulmonary process, up to severe disseminated, and life-threatening disease. Patients at particular risk include the elderly, pregnant women, and members of certain ethnicities. Recent changes in the epidemiology ...
Source: Current Fungal Infection Reports - October 26, 2016 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
Clinical Focus on Malassezia Folliculitis
We describe this clinical form caused byMalassezia sp., with background, direct examination findings, and histopathology. (Source: Current Fungal Infection Reports)
Source: Current Fungal Infection Reports - August 25, 2016 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
Azole Resistance in Moulds —Approach to Detection in a Clinical Laboratory
AbstractThe multitude of factors has contributed to the increasing number of fungal infections caused by species of difficult-to-treat opportunistic moulds, such asFusarium,Scedosporium, and crypticAspergilli. Also, rare fungi sporadically encountered, such asRasamsonia argillacea,Penicillium oxalicum, and melanized fungi, are now well recognized. The high mortality associated with these rare and uncommon fungi is primarily linked to the difficulty in diagnosis and limited therapeutic options, as many of them exhibit resistance to antifungals including azoles. Azole resistance inAspergillus fumigatus has been increasingly ...
Source: Current Fungal Infection Reports - August 9, 2016 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
Pityriasis Versicolor: Clinical Spectrum and Diagnosis
Abstract
Pityriasis versicolor (PV) is caused by the fungus Malassezia, especially by Malassezia globosa. The predisposing factors for PV are heat, humidity, hyperhidrosis, oral contraceptives, stress, application of oily preparations, and treatment with corticosteroids. PV is found mainly on the seborrheic areas of the trunk, shoulders, upper aspects of the arms, and neck, but it may spread to the face, scalp, submammary areas, axillae, groin, skin folds, and buttocks. It is characterized by hyperpigmented, hypopigmented, or erythematous (versicolor), round-to-oval, finely scaling, thin plaques. Other le...
Source: Current Fungal Infection Reports - July 11, 2016 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
Primary and Disseminated Cutaneous Coccidioidomycosis: Clinical Aspects and Diagnosis
Abstract
Coccidioidomycosis is an endemic systemic mycosis of the western hemisphere that has acquired mayor relevance after a raise in cases in the recent years. Two species, Coccidioides immitis and C. posadasii are recognized as the causative agents of this disease that, in principle, primarily affects the lungs. Extra pulmonary cutaneous forms have been more frequently reported and its manifestations present a vast clinical spectrum that resembles subcutaneous mycosis, cutaneous tuberculosis or even skin cancer. The interaction of the host and its immune response against the fungus and its pathogenic ...
Source: Current Fungal Infection Reports - July 7, 2016 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
Diagnosis of Midwestern Endemic Mycoses
Abstract
Histoplasmosis and blastomycosis are the two most common midwestern endemic mycoses. A history of exposure to the geographic areas in which these organisms occur is central to raising suspicion for an endemic fungal infection. For infection with these organisms, the diagnosis is definitively established by recovery of the organism in tissue or body fluids, which may take weeks. A rapid diagnosis can be made by finding the distinctive yeasts in tissues or body fluids. Antigen testing allows a presumptive diagnosis of these endemic fungal infections while awaiting culture results, but cross-reactiv...
Source: Current Fungal Infection Reports - July 7, 2016 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
Review on Tinea Incognita
Abstract
Tinea incognito is a superficial dermatophytosis that clinically has been modified by misuse and misadministration of corticosteroids, topical or systemic, and less frequently by immunomodulators such as pimecrolimus, either by auto-medication or prescription. As a consequence, the dermatophytosis has an atypical clinical presentation, without the classic signs that orient us to a prompt diagnosis. In these cases, the mycosis may clinically mimic other skin diseases, or may superimpose on a previous dermatosis, usually an inflammatory one. The diagnosis and treatment are the same as for any other...
Source: Current Fungal Infection Reports - July 4, 2016 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
Sporotrichosis in Children: an Update
Abstract
Sporotrichosis, a disease caused by the saprophytic, dimorphic fungus Sporothrix schenckii, is currently diagnosed worldwide, especially in some tropical and subtropical areas. The infection usually occurs after traumatic inoculation of soil, plants, and organic matter containing the fungus. Certain activities, such as floriculture, agriculture, mining, and wood exploitation, and zoonotic transmission are associated with the mycosis. In humans, the disease is limited to skin, subcutaneous tissue, and the proximal lymphatic. It occurs commonly as lymphocutaneous or fixed lesions predominantly affe...
Source: Current Fungal Infection Reports - May 29, 2016 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
