Related Experiment Video

Updated: Mar 2, 2026

Ex Vivo Infection of Human Lymphoid Tissue and Female Genital Mucosa with Human Immunodeficiency Virus 1 and Histoculture
11:14

Ex Vivo Infection of Human Lymphoid Tissue and Female Genital Mucosa with Human Immunodeficiency Virus 1 and Histoculture

Published on: October 12, 2018

9.7K

Human immunodeficiency virus and fungal infections

Jeannette Guarner1

  • 1Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States.

Seminars in Diagnostic Pathology
|May 17, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Fungal infections like Pneumocystis pneumonia remain a threat to HIV patients not in care. Pathology is key for diagnosing these opportunistic infections, especially in immunocompromised individuals.

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Immunology
  • Pathology

Background:

  • The discovery of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) was linked to Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) in immunocompromised young patients.
  • Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) and PCP prophylaxis have reduced fungal infections in HIV patients, but they persist in those not receiving care.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To describe fungal infections frequently seen in HIV-infected patients.
  • To highlight key pathological features of these infections.

Main Methods:

  • Review of common fungal infections in HIV patients.
  • Description of pathological diagnostic features.

Main Results:

  • Superficial and invasive Candida infections, PCP, and cryptococcosis are the most common fungal infections in HIV patients globally.
  • Geographic location influences the prevalence of specific fungal diseases.
  • Pathological diagnosis is critical due to potential issues with mycology cultures.

Conclusions:

  • Fungal infections continue to cause significant morbidity and mortality in HIV patients, particularly those not in care.
  • Accurate pathological identification is essential for timely and effective management of fungal infections in HIV-positive individuals.
Keywords:
CryptococcusFungiHIVHyphaePneumocystisYeasts

More Related Videos

An In vitro Co-infection Model to Study Plasmodium falciparum-HIV-1 Interactions in Human Primary Monocyte-derived Immune Cells07:39

An In vitro Co-infection Model to Study Plasmodium falciparum-HIV-1 Interactions in Human Primary Monocyte-derived Immune Cells

Published on: August 15, 2012

14.2K
Peptide-based Identification of Functional Motifs and their Binding Partners14:28

Peptide-based Identification of Functional Motifs and their Binding Partners

Published on: June 30, 2013

13.1K

Related Concept Videos

Immunodeficiency Diseases01:25

Immunodeficiency Diseases

Immunodeficiency disorders are conditions in which the immune system's ability to fight infectious disease and cancer is compromised or entirely absent. The immune system comprises a complex network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to protect the body from potentially harmful invaders. When this system is deficient or not functioning properly, it leaves the body susceptible to infections, diseases, or other complications.
There are three main causes of immunodeficiency...
2.7K
Sexually Transmitted Infections01:26

Sexually Transmitted Infections

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are diseases transmitted primarily through unsafe sexual interactions. Bacteria, viruses, or parasites cause them and can result in severe health complications if untreated.ChlamydiaThe bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis is responsible for the disease Chlamydia, the most common STI in the United States. This peculiar pathogen requires human cells to reproduce, residing intracellularly. The initial infection often goes unnoticed because it typically does not...
1.4K
Pulmonary Tuberculosis I01:29

Pulmonary Tuberculosis I

Tuberculosis, often called TB, is a contagious illness primarily caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It mainly affects the lung parenchyma but can also impact other body parts.
Causative Organism
The primary infectious agent causing tuberculosis is Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a slow-growing, acid-fast, aerobic rod that exhibits sensitivity to heat and ultraviolet light. Instances of Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium contributing to the development of TB infection are rare.
Mode of...
1.1K
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...
5.9K
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...
633
Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection01:26

Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection

The hosts' susceptibility to infection depends on several factors. The integrity of the skin and mucous membranes helps protect the body against microbial attacks. When the skin is altered, the chance of infection, limb loss, and even death increases.
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin...
14.2K