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Updated: Feb 6, 2026
Invasion of Human Cells by a Bacterial Pathogen
Published on: March 21, 2011
Human Pathogenic Entomophthorales
Raquel Vilela1,2, Leonel Mendoza3,4
1Biomedical Laboratory Diagnostics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA.
Abstract:
The pathogenic entomophthoralean fungi cause infection in insects and mammalian hosts. Basidiobolus and Conidiobolus species can be found in soil and insect, reptile, and amphibian droppings in tropical and subtropical areas. The life cycles of these fungi occur in these environments where infecting sticky conidia are developed. The infection is acquired by insect bite or contact with contaminated environments through open skin. Conidiobolus coronatus typically causes chronic rhinofacial disease in immunocompetent hosts, whereas some Conidiobolus species can be found in immunocompromised patients. Basidiobolus ranarum infection is restricted to subcutaneous tissues but may be involved in intestinal and disseminated infections. Its early diagnosis remains challenging due to clinical similarities to other intestinal diseases. Infected tissues characteristically display eosinophilic granulomas with the Splendore-Höeppli phenomenon. However, in immunocompromised patients, the above-mentioned inflammatory reaction is absent. Laboratory diagnosis includes wet mount, culture serological assays, and molecular methodologies. The management of entomophthoralean fungi relies on traditional antifungal therapies, such as potassium iodide (KI), amphotericin B, itraconazole, and ketoconazole, and surgery. These species are intrinsically resistant to some antifungals, prompting physicians to experiment with combinations of therapies. Research is needed to investigate the immunology of entomophthoralean fungi in infected hosts. The absence of an animal model and lack of funding severely limit research on these fungi.
Insights
Entomophthoralean fungi infect insects and mammals, causing diseases like rhinofacial infections. Diagnosis and treatment are challenging due to fungal resistance and limited research, necessitating further investigation into host immunology.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Tropical Medicine
Background:
- Entomophthoralean fungi, including Basidiobolus and Conidiobolus species, are pathogenic agents found in tropical and subtropical environments.
- These fungi infect both insect and mammalian hosts, with transmission occurring via insect bites or contact with contaminated environments.
- Conidiobolus coronatus typically causes rhinofacial disease in immunocompetent individuals, while other species can affect immunocompromised patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and management of infections caused by entomophthoralean fungi.
- To highlight the diagnostic challenges, particularly in differentiating Basidiobolus ranarum infections from other intestinal diseases.
- To underscore the need for further research into the immunology and treatment of these infections.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on entomophthoralean fungal infections.
- Analysis of clinical presentations, diagnostic laboratory methods (wet mount, culture, serology, molecular assays), and histopathological findings (eosinophilic granulomas, Splendore-Höeppli phenomenon).
- Evaluation of current therapeutic strategies, including antifungal agents (potassium iodide, amphotericin B, itraconazole, ketoconazole) and surgical interventions.
Main Results:
- Infections present with diverse clinical manifestations, ranging from chronic rhinofacial disease to subcutaneous, intestinal, and disseminated infections.
- Diagnosis can be difficult, especially in immunocompromised patients where typical inflammatory responses may be absent.
- Entomophthoralean fungi exhibit intrinsic resistance to certain antifungals, often requiring combination therapies and surgical management.
Conclusions:
- Early diagnosis of entomophthoralean fungal infections remains a significant challenge.
- Effective management requires a combination of antifungal therapy and surgical intervention due to inherent drug resistance.
- Further research, including the development of animal models and increased funding, is crucial to advance our understanding of entomophthoralean fungi immunology and treatment.
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