Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 16, 2026

Whole Genome Sequencing of Candida glabrata for Detection of Markers of Antifungal Drug Resistance
08:45

Whole Genome Sequencing of Candida glabrata for Detection of Markers of Antifungal Drug Resistance

Published on: December 28, 2017

Changing patterns and trends in systemic fungal infections

Malcolm D Richardson1

  • 1Department of Bacteriology and Immunology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland. Malcolm.Richardson@helsinki.fi

The Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy
|August 27, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Invasive fungal infections are increasing, with rising rates of Candida glabrata and Aspergillus infections. Antifungal chemoprophylaxis is a promising prevention strategy for at-risk populations.

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Invasive mycoses represent a growing global health concern.
  • While Candida albicans bloodstream infections may be declining, infections caused by other Candida species, like Candida glabrata, are increasing.
  • Invasive mold infections, particularly Aspergillus, are also becoming more common.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the evolving epidemiology of invasive fungal infections.
  • To examine the impact of medical advancements on fungal infection incidence.
  • To highlight emerging challenges such as antifungal resistance.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review focusing on epidemiological trends.
  • Analysis of risk factors and changing medical practices.
  • Overview of fungal infections in specific patient groups.

Main Results:

  • Increasing incidence of non-albicans Candida and invasive mold infections.
  • Shifting patterns in risk factors and patient populations.
  • Fungal opportunistic infections remain a major issue in developing countries with AIDS epidemics.

Conclusions:

  • Targeted antifungal chemoprophylaxis shows promise for prevention in high-risk groups.
  • Further research is needed to identify and protect populations most vulnerable to fungal infections.
  • Antifungal resistance is an emerging threat requiring continued surveillance.

More Related Videos

Bio-energetics Investigation of Candida albicans Using Real-time Extracellular Flux Analysis08:48

Bio-energetics Investigation of Candida albicans Using Real-time Extracellular Flux Analysis

Published on: March 19, 2019

Related Concept Videos

Fungal Phylum Microsporidia01:28

Fungal Phylum Microsporidia

Microsporidia are a group of obligate intracellular fungi that were initially classified as protists but were later reclassified based on phylogenetic, molecular, and structural evidence linking them to the Chytridiomycota. These unicellular, non-motile organisms are highly specialized parasites that infect a wide range of animal hosts, including humans. They have evolved extensive genomic and metabolic reductions, making them highly dependent on their hosts for survival.Morphology and Genomic...
Cryptococcal Meningitis01:27

Cryptococcal Meningitis

Cryptococcal meningitis is a life-threatening opportunistic infection predominantly associated with HIV/AIDS, accounting for over 100,000 deaths annually worldwide. However, it also affects individuals with other forms of immunosuppression, including those undergoing immunosuppressive therapy, organ transplant recipients, patients with innate immunodeficiencies, and individuals with hematological disorders. The infection is caused mainly by Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii,...
Candidiasis01:20

Candidiasis

Candidiasis is a fungal infection caused by opportunistic species of Candida. It can affect various anatomical sites, including the skin, oral cavity, nails, and genitourinary tract. Among its forms, vaginal candidiasis is the most common type of mucosal infection. It typically results from the overgrowth of Candida albicans in the vaginal mucosa. Under normal conditions, C. albicans exists as a commensal organism within the vaginal microbiota, regulated by the dominance of lactobacilli, which...
Fungal Group Zygomycota01:29

Fungal Group Zygomycota

Zygomycota, previously classified as a distinct fungal group, are primarily terrestrial, saprophytic molds that play a crucial role as decomposers. Recent phylogenetic studies have revealed that these fungi are now divided into two major clades — Mucoromycota, which includes many symbiotic species, and Zoopagomycota, which primarily consists of parasitic and pathogenic fungi. These groups exhibit distinct ecological roles and reproductive strategies while sharing key structural and...
Malaria01:29

Malaria

Malaria pathogenesis in humans reflects a delicate interplay between parasite biology and host response. Clinical illness reflects a host’s immune response to the parasite’s asexual replication cycle, which is often asymptomatic in individuals with partial immunity. From the parasite's perspective, transmission between mosquito and human with minimal host pathology is evolutionarily advantageous. Among the six Plasmodium species infecting humans, P. falciparum and P. vivax dominate in global...
Skin Diseases and Disorders01:23

Skin Diseases and Disorders

Skin is the first line of defense and encounters a variety of microbes. Some pathogenic strains are often the cause of a broad range of infections of the skin and other body systems. These conditions can affect people of all ages and may have different causes, including genetic factors, infections, autoimmune reactions, environmental factors, and lifestyle choices.
Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. are responsible for many of the most common skin infections. However, many...