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Dematiaceous Molds

Eunice H Wong1, Sanjay G Revankar1

  • 1Division of Infectious Diseases, Harper University Hospital, Wayne State University, 3990 John R., 5 Hudson, Detroit, MI 48201, USA.

Infectious Disease Clinics of North America
|February 22, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Dematiaceous fungi cause phaeohyphomycosis, ranging from local to disseminated infections. Melanin in fungal cell walls may contribute to virulence, and azoles show consistent in vitro activity against these challenging infections.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Mycology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Phaeohyphomycosis is a spectrum of clinical syndromes caused by dematiaceous fungi.
  • These fungi possess melanin in their cell walls, potentially acting as a virulence factor.
  • Infections range from localized traumatic implantation to disseminated disease in immunocompromised individuals.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the clinical syndromes, pathogenesis, and treatment of phaeohyphomycosis.
  • To highlight the role of melanin in the virulence of dematiaceous fungi.
  • To discuss the in vitro antifungal activity of azoles.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of clinical cases and laboratory studies on dematiaceous fungi and phaeohyphomycosis.
  • Analysis of the role of fungal melanin in pathogenesis.
  • Evaluation of in vitro antifungal susceptibility data.

Main Results:

  • Phaeohyphomycosis presents with diverse clinical manifestations.
  • Melanin in fungal cell walls is a unique characteristic and potential virulence factor.
  • Systemic phaeohyphomycosis is often difficult to treat, while local infections may respond to surgical excision.
  • Azoles demonstrate the most reliable in vitro activity.

Conclusions:

  • Further research is essential to elucidate the pathogenesis of phaeohyphomycosis.
  • Improved therapeutic strategies are needed for systemic infections.
  • Understanding the role of melanin may lead to targeted treatments.
Keywords:
Amphotericin BDematiaceousIsavuconazoleItraconazolePhaeohyphomycosisPosaconazoleVoriconazole

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