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Endemic Mycoses: What's New About Old Diseases?
Ilan S Schwartz1,2, Chris Kenyon3,4, George R Thompson5,6
11Departments of Internal Medicine and Medical Microbiology, College of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada.
Current Clinical Microbiology Reports
|April 15, 2020
Summary
Recent advances in endemic mycoses include molecular diagnostics identifying cryptic fungal species and new tests for fungal infections. However, antifungal treatments remain limited, with vaccine development showing promise.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Endemic mycoses are caused by geographically restricted dimorphic fungi.
- Recent years have seen advancements in understanding epidemiology, diagnostics, and management.
- Key fungal pathogens include those causing blastomycosis, coccidioidomycosis, histoplasmosis, and penicilliosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize recent advancements in endemic mycoses.
- To highlight progress in diagnostics and potential therapeutic avenues.
- To discuss the emergence of specific fungal genera and their implications.
Main Methods:
- Application of molecular techniques for fungal pathogen genotyping.
- Development of new diagnostic tests including antigen/antibody detection, mass spectrometry, and gene amplification.
- Review of current therapeutic options and vaccine development prospects.
Main Results:
- Recognition of cryptic species within genera like Blastomyces and Paracoccidioides.
- Reclassification of Penicillium marneffei to Talaromyces.
- Global emergence of Emmonsia species affecting immunocompromised individuals.
- Availability of refined diagnostic tests.
- Limited progress in new therapeutic options, with isavuconazole as a potential candidate.
- Progress in developing viable vaccines for disease prevention.
Conclusions:
- Significant progress in molecular diagnostics and understanding fungal diversity in endemic mycoses.
- Diagnostic capabilities have improved, but therapeutic options remain a challenge.
- Vaccine development offers a promising future strategy for endemic fungal infections.
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