Emerging and reemerging fungal infections

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Shawn R Lockhart1, Jeannette Guarner2

  • 1Mycotic Diseases Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 1600 Clifton Rd. Mailstop G-11, Atlanta, GA 30333, United States.

Seminars in Diagnostic Pathology
|April 24, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Emerging fungal infections like Histoplasma capsulatum, Fusarium, and Candida auris are increasing globally. These fungi pose significant threats to immunocompromised patients, particularly those undergoing stem cell transplants or using immune-modulating drugs.

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Global increase in fungal infections observed.
  • Rise attributed to growing populations of immunocompromised patients, including those receiving hematopoietic stem cell transplants and TNF antagonist therapies.
  • Reemergence of endemic fungi like Histoplasma capsulatum and opportunistic pathogens such as Fusarium species in vulnerable populations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the epidemiology, pathology, detection, and treatment of three key emerging and reemerging fungal pathogens.
  • To highlight the growing threat of Histoplasma capsulatum, Fusarium species, and Candida auris.
  • To inform healthcare professionals about these significant fungal threats.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review focusing on epidemiology, pathology, diagnostics, and therapeutics.
  • Analysis of global trends in fungal infections.
  • Case study review of emerging fungal species.

Main Results:

  • Histoplasma capsulatum is reemerging in HIV+ patients and those on biologics.
  • Fusarium species infections are increasing worldwide in immunocompromised individuals, especially neutropenic patients.
  • Candida auris, a novel yeast, is causing widespread healthcare-associated outbreaks across multiple continents.

Conclusions:

  • Emerging and reemerging fungal infections represent a significant and growing global health challenge.
  • Effective detection and treatment strategies are crucial for managing these infections in at-risk populations.
  • Continued surveillance and research are necessary to combat the increasing burden of fungal diseases.
Keywords:
Candida aurisFungiFusariumHistoplasma

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