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Updated: May 24, 2026
10:06
Efficient Method for Imaging Murine Lungs that Preserves Spatial Dynamics of Fungal Spores in the Airways
Published on: December 13, 2024
Pulmonary fungal infections
Jeannina A Smith1, Carol A Kauffman
1Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, USA.
Respirology (Carlton, Vic.)
|February 17, 2012
Summary
Recent advances in diagnosing and treating pulmonary fungal infections have led to faster, safer therapies. Understanding fungal genomics and cell structures improved antifungal drug development and revealed emerging infectious threats.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pulmonary Medicine
Background:
- Pulmonary fungal infections pose significant health challenges.
- Advances in understanding fungal biology are crucial for progress.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent decade advances in pulmonary fungal infection diagnosis, treatment, and epidemiology.
- To highlight the impact of new knowledge on clinical practice and emerging threats.
Main Methods:
- Review of literature on fungal genomics, cell wall/membrane structures, and molecular epidemiology.
- Analysis of new diagnostic tools (antigen detection) and antifungal agents (azoles, echinocandins).
Main Results:
- Improved diagnosis of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis, histoplasmosis, and blastomycosis.
- Development of broader-spectrum and less toxic antifungal agents like voriconazole, posaconazole, and echinocandins.
- Identification of emerging pathogens (Cryptococcus gattii, Fusarium, Scedosporium) and increasing azole resistance in Aspergillus.
Conclusions:
- Advances in mycology have significantly improved pulmonary fungal infection management.
- Emerging fungal threats and antifungal resistance necessitate ongoing research and surveillance.
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