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Updated: Mar 13, 2026
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Dissection of Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Asci
Published on: May 19, 2009
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Yeasts
Sean X Zhang1, Nathan P Wiederhold2
1Division of Medical Microbiology, Department of Pathology, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287.
Microbiology Spectrum
|October 12, 2016
Abstract:
Yeasts are unicellular organisms that reproduce mostly by budding and less often by fission. Most medically important yeasts originate from Ascomycota or Basidiomycota. Here, we review taxonomy, epidemiology, disease spectrum, antifungal drug susceptibility patterns of medically important yeast, laboratory diagnosis, and diagnostic strategies.
Insights
This review covers medically important yeasts, detailing their classification, spread, and the diseases they cause. It also discusses antifungal drug resistance, lab diagnosis, and effective diagnostic approaches for these fungi.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Yeasts are unicellular fungi, primarily reproducing via budding.
- Medically significant yeasts are predominantly from the Ascomycota and Basidiomycota phyla.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive review of medically important yeasts.
- To consolidate information on yeast taxonomy, epidemiology, and clinical relevance.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of scientific publications.
- Synthesis of data on yeast classification and disease spectrum.
- Analysis of antifungal susceptibility and diagnostic methods.
Main Results:
- Detailed overview of yeast taxonomy and origins.
- Epidemiological trends and spectrum of yeast-associated diseases.
- Current antifungal drug susceptibility patterns and resistance challenges.
- Evaluation of laboratory diagnostic techniques and strategies.
Conclusions:
- Understanding yeast biology and clinical impact is crucial for effective management.
- Accurate diagnosis and susceptibility testing guide antifungal therapy.
- Ongoing research is needed to address emerging resistance and improve diagnostics.
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