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Emerging pathogens
J Pontón1, R Rüchel, K V Clemons
1Departamento de Inmunología, Microbiología y Parasitología, Universidad del País Vasco, Bilbao, Spain. oipposaj@lg.ehu.es
Abstract:
The ever increasing numbers of immunosuppressed individuals has led to a significant increase in the incidence of opportunistic infections, particularly those caused by fungi. The epidemiology of infections caused by the common fungal pathogens such as Candida albicans, Cryptococcus neoformans and Aspergillus fumigatus has been well documented. However, in addition to these, a number of species which have previously been unrecognized (e.g., C. dubliniensis) or have previously been assumed to be non-pathogenic (e.g., Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Scedosporium spp. and Fusarium spp.) have emerged as agents of human disease. Since these species have only been identified recently as human pathogens, their role in disease is poorly understood. In most cases, identification of these species is problematic and therefore their epidemiology has yet to be elucidated adequately. In addition, several of these species fail to respond to conventional antifungal therapies. In this article, we describe the emergence of two separate yeast species (C. dubliniensis and S. cerevisiae) and two separate groups of moulds (Scedosporium prolificans and Fusarium spp.), as human pathogens. It is apparent from what we already know, that much work has yet to be performed before we have a clear understanding of how these species cause disease and most importantly how they can be controlled.
Insights
Emerging fungal pathogens like Candida dubliniensis and Saccharomyces cerevisiae are causing opportunistic infections in immunosuppressed individuals. Further research is needed to understand and control these newly recognized human fungal pathogens.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Immunology
Background:
- Increasing numbers of immunosuppressed individuals lead to a rise in opportunistic fungal infections.
- Common fungal pathogens are well-documented, but new species are emerging as human pathogens.
- Previously unrecognized or non-pathogenic fungi like Candida dubliniensis, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Scedosporium spp., and Fusarium spp. are causing disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the emergence of specific yeast (Candida dubliniensis, Saccharomyces cerevisiae) and mould (Scedosporium prolificans, Fusarium spp.) species as human pathogens.
- To highlight the poor understanding of the role of these emerging pathogens in human disease.
- To underscore the challenges in identifying these species and their inadequate response to conventional antifungal therapies.
Main Methods:
- Review of emerging fungal pathogens.
- Description of yeast and mould species causing human disease.
- Discussion of identification challenges and treatment failures.
Main Results:
- Candida dubliniensis and Saccharomyces cerevisiae identified as emerging yeast pathogens.
- Scedosporium prolificans and Fusarium spp. identified as emerging mould pathogens.
- Challenges in species identification and epidemiology of these emerging pathogens noted.
Conclusions:
- Emerging fungal pathogens pose a growing threat to immunosuppressed populations.
- Further research is crucial to understand the pathogenesis and epidemiology of these fungi.
- Development of effective diagnostic and therapeutic strategies is urgently needed to control these infections.