Investigational Agents for the Treatment of Resistant Yeasts and Molds
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThis review summarizes the investigational antifungals in clinical development with the potential to address rising drug resistance patterns. The relevant pharmacodynamics, spectrum of activity, preclinical studies, and latest clinical trial data are described.Recent FindingsAgricultural and medicinal antifungal use has been selected for inherently drug-resistant fungi and acquired resistance mechanisms. The rates of fungal infections and immunocompromised populations continue to grow as few new antifungals have hit the market. Several agents with the potential to address the emergence of multidrug...
Source: Current Fungal Infection Reports - May 28, 2021 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
Emergence of Triazole Resistance in Aspergillus spp. in Latin America
AbstractPurpose of ReviewAzole resistance inAspergillus spp. is becoming a public health problem worldwide. However, data about this subject is lacking in Latin American countries. This review focuses in the epidemiology and molecular mechanisms of azole resistance inAspergillus spp. emphasizing in Latin America. Data onAspergillus fumigatus stands out because it is the most prevalentAspergillus spp. pathogen.Recent FindingsAzole resistance inAspergillus spp. emergence was linked with intensive use of these antifungals both in the clinical setting and in the environment (as pesticides). Reports on azole-resistantA. fumigat...
Source: Current Fungal Infection Reports - May 19, 2021 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
Cytopathology of Fungal Infections
AbstractPurposeFungal infections are common in clinical cytopathology practice. They may be identified in a wide variety of cytopathology samples. Diagnosis is challenging and awareness of their morphological features is important. The purpose of this review is to briefly outline the salient cytomorphological findings of fungal infections in the right clinical context to enable an accurate diagnosis.Recent FindingsThis review article will highlight the role of the well-known and the recently emerging fungal infections, their nomenclature and cellular reaction that is evident on cytopathology specimen. The differential diag...
Source: Current Fungal Infection Reports - April 9, 2021 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
Scedosporium and Lomentospora infections in lung transplant recipients
AbstractPurpose of ReviewInfections caused by uncommon or rare mould pathogens often complicate the management of lung transplant (Tx) recipients contributing to high mortality. This review explores the epidemiology, diagnosis, and management ofScedosporium andLomentospora (S/L) infections in lung Tx recipients as well as highlighting constraints in the current management and areas for future research.Recent FindingsThe number of reportedS/L infections remains low among lung Tx recipients whilst the diagnosis and treatment ofS/L infections remains challenging. The very few studies which evaluated clinical characteristics, ...
Source: Current Fungal Infection Reports - April 6, 2021 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
Cutaneous Aspergillosis in Children and Adolescents
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThis is a general review of the disease in this article, especially of the clinical features, diagnosis, new treatments and preventive measures.Recent FindingsDiagnostic methods in pediatric population to confirm the diagnosis of aspergillosis and typify the etiologic agent are based on the use of molecular biology through PCR techniques. Currently, the treatment of choice for cases of primary cutaneous aspergillosis is liposomal amphotericin B or itraconazole alone or synergistically, uuse of voriconazole, posaconazole, or caspofungin is recommended as a second-line management.SummaryCutaneous asp...
Source: Current Fungal Infection Reports - March 29, 2021 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
STAT Immunodeficiency Disorders and Fungal Infection Susceptibility
AbstractPurpose of ReviewInvasive fungal diseases (IFD) or complicated mucocutaneous fungal infections can occur secondary to both primary and acquired immunodeficiency disorders. The signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) proteins are critical transcription factors involved in a wide range of processes including the immune response. This review highlights the immune pathways, clinical phenotypes and current management options of fungal infections in patient with mutations in STAT1 and STAT3, the most relevant STAT molecules involved in the host response to fungal pathogens.Recent FindingsSTAT1 gain of fun...
Source: Current Fungal Infection Reports - February 27, 2021 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant in a Pediatric Patient with Invasive Fungal Infections: Challenges and Indications
AbstractPurpose of ReviewPrior invasive fungal infection (IFI) in children with malignancies was considered a contraindication for hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT). This review summarizes the current evidence in safety of allogeneic HSCT with prior IFI in children.Recent FindingsIn adult population, some studies have shown that pre-transplant IFI should not be considered a contraindication to allogeneic HSCT, but, in the pediatric population, there is limited information about safety of HSCT in children with prior IFI.SummaryEpidemiological studies in adults with prior IFI show that allogeneic HSCT is safe. There ...
Source: Current Fungal Infection Reports - February 24, 2021 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
Disseminated Histoplasmosis Infection in HIV-Negative Patients: Series Case and Literature Review
In this study, we presented five cases of disseminated histoplasmosis on HIVnegative patients diagnosed with lesions located in oral cavity and we performed a literature review about cases of disseminated histoplasmosis lesions in head and neck region on HIV-negative patients associating possible factors that may contribute to lesions formatting. (Source: Current Fungal Infection Reports)
Source: Current Fungal Infection Reports - February 22, 2021 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
Vulvovaginal Candidiasis: Epidemiology and Risk Factors, Pathogenesis, Resistance, and New Therapeutic Options
AbstractPurpose of ReviewVulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is an infection of the vaginal mucosa caused by fungi of the genusCandida and can become pathogenic under special conditions. It affects about 75% of women at least once in life and is characterized by leukorrhea, intense pruritus, vulvar hyperemia, dysuria, and dyspareunia. The imbalance between the microbiota and these yeasts causes candidiasis. In addition, recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC) can affect a very significant number, approximately 138 million women worldwide. Pregnancy, diabetes mellitus, use of hormonal contraceptives, hormone replacement therap...
Source: Current Fungal Infection Reports - February 22, 2021 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
Histopathology in the Diagnosis of Invasive Fungal Diseases
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe classical diagnostic principles for applying histopathology for the diagnosis of invasive fungal diseases are reviewed. Although several new molecular based techniques have recently been developed, the histopathological identification of fungal elements together with a typical tissue reaction remains the golden standard for stating a diagnosis of invasive mycosis. Therefore, and due to the risk of false negative and false positive results obtained from cultivation as well as the non-culture based diagnostic test for invasive fungal infections, an examination should always complement histopathol...
Source: Current Fungal Infection Reports - February 17, 2021 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
The Aspergillus Lateral Flow Assay for the Diagnosis of Invasive Aspergillosis: an Update
AbstractPurpose of ReviewTo review the data on theAspergillus lateral flow assay for the diagnosis of invasive Aspergillosis.Recent FindingsAspergillus spp. cause a wide spectrum of disease with invasive aspergillosis (IA) as its most severe manifestation. Early and reliable diagnosis of disease is crucial to decrease associated morbidity and mortality, and enable prompt initiation of treatment for IA. Most recently, non-culture-based tests, such as Aspergillus galactomannan (GM), have been useful in early identification and treatment of patients with IA. However, cost, turnaround time, and variable performance indifferent...
Source: Current Fungal Infection Reports - December 4, 2020 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
Skin Fungal Infections in Children: Diagnostic Challenges
This article provides an updated overview of skin fungal infections affecting children, their clinical manifestations, and practical approaches for a correct diagnosis and management.Recent FindingsSkin fungal infections in children have increased in number in the last decades. The majority of children suffer from one at least one time during infancy. This is probably the result of changing lifestyles, and immunosuppression (such as HIV, transplants, neoplastic diseases, and iatrogenic immunosuppression).SummaryChildren can suffer from a superficial fungal infection (skin, nails, and hair), which usually is easily diagnose...
Source: Current Fungal Infection Reports - November 23, 2020 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
Implementation of Effective Antifungal Stewardship in Cancer Patients —A Review of Current Evidence
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThis review summarizes the literature around antifungal stewardship (AFS) with a focus on the cancer setting. We include a review of identified challenges to the implementation of AFS, summarize studies evaluating quality of prescribing and interventions to optimize invasive fungal disease management. We also provide a review of metrics for AFS programs and advances in fungal diagnostics which can be harnessed by the AFS team.Recent FindingsIn recent times, there has been an increase in targeted research assessing the quality of antifungal prescribing and the impact of AFS interventions, largely wi...
Source: Current Fungal Infection Reports - November 9, 2020 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
Management of Mucormycosis
AbstractPurpose of ReviewMucormycosis is an aggressive disease with high (> 30–50%) mortality. Many attempts have been made to improve the outcome including global consensus guideline to manage mucormycosis. In this review, we discuss various aspects of the current management strategies of mucormycosis.Recent FindingsNew global consensus guideline not only addressed the management issues in developed countries but also recommended algorithm in a resource-limiting environment. Isavuconazole, a new water-soluble triazole with good pharmacokinetics and safety profile, has emerged as a promising agent with anti-Mucoral...
Source: Current Fungal Infection Reports - September 28, 2020 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
Cladorrhinum Bulbillosum Keratitis: Unraveling an Unusual Infection
AbstractPurpose of ReviewTo analyze the presentation and outcome of keratitis due toCladorrhinum bulbillosum which is a rare species of fungus sparsely reported in literature.Recent FindingsIn the genusCladorrhinum,C. bulbillosum is the only reported pathogenic species causing keratitis. There have been only 3 reported cases in the literature thus far.SummaryOurs is the first reported case series of 4 patients with keratitis caused by the rare dematiaceous organismCladorrhinum bulbillosum. This keratomycosis can be variably pigmented clinically. Even though it has a typical morphological appearance on microscopy, molecular...
Source: Current Fungal Infection Reports - August 31, 2020 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
