Emerging mould infections: Get prepared to meet unexpected fungi in your patient

Area of Science:

• Medical Mycology
• Infectious Diseases
• Clinical Microbiology

Background:

• Invasive fungal diseases (IFDs) are increasing due to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and immunosuppressive drug use.
• Immunocompromised patients are susceptible to uncommon fungal pathogens, with new species emerging.
• Delayed diagnosis of these infections significantly worsens patient prognosis and increases mortality.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize clinical and biological presentations of emerging fungal pathogens.
• To outline key identification features for rare fungal genera.
• To discuss available antifungal treatment options for these infections.

Main Methods:

• Literature search on PubMed for human invasive cases of nine specific rare fungal genera.
• Gathered information on patient background, fungal morphology, histology, antigen tests, and antifungal treatments.
• Focused on extensively reported cases and relevant articles.

Main Results:

• Identified nine emerging rare fungal genera: Scopulariopsis, Hormographiella, Emergomyces, Westerdykella, Trametes, Actinomucor, Saksenaea, Apophysomyces, and Rhytidhysteron.
• Compiled clinical, biological, and histological features for identification.
• Reviewed diagnostic findings and potential antifungal therapies.

Conclusions:

• Early suspicion, accurate identification, and timely diagnosis are crucial for managing IFDs caused by emerging fungi.
• This review provides essential information for clinical microbiologists and physicians to manage these challenging infections.
• Effective treatment strategies are vital to improve outcomes for patients with rare invasive fungal diseases.