Human fusariosis: An emerging infection that is difficult to treat

Bruna Gerardon Batista1, Magda Antunes de Chaves2, Paula Reginatto1

  • 1Programa de Pós-Graduação Stricto Sensu em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil.

Insights

Fusarium species cause emerging fungal infections called fusariosis. Limited treatments exist, but drug combinations may combat antifungal resistance and invasive fusariosis.

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Antimicrobial Resistance

Background:

  • Fusarium species are increasingly recognized as emerging pathogens causing a range of infections, collectively known as fusariosis.
  • Fusarium solani and Fusarium oxysporum are the most frequently implicated species globally.
  • Invasive fusariosis presents a significant clinical challenge due to limited therapeutic options.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the characteristics, clinical management, incidence, and emergence of fusariosis.
  • To highlight the challenges in treating invasive fusariosis.
  • To explore potential strategies for overcoming antifungal resistance.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic review of articles published between 2005 and 2018.
  • Analysis of case reports and clinical data on Fusarium infections.
  • Evaluation of therapeutic strategies and antifungal resistance patterns.

Main Results:

  • Fusariosis is an emerging global health concern, with a notable increase in invasive cases reported between 2005 and 2018.
  • Fusarium solani and F. oxysporum are the predominant species involved in human infections.
  • Intrinsic antifungal resistance limits treatment options for invasive fusariosis.

Conclusions:

  • The rise in invasive fusariosis cases underscores its emergence as a significant threat.
  • Drug combinations represent a promising alternative to address systemic antifungal resistance.
  • Further research into novel therapeutic strategies is crucial for managing fusariosis effectively.

Related Concept Videos

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...
320
Diversity of Protists II01:27

Diversity of Protists II

Alveolates are a group of organisms recognized by the presence of alveoli, which are cytoplasmic sacs located beneath the cell membrane. While their function remains uncertain, alveoli may help regulate water balance by controlling how much water enters and leaves the cell. In dinoflagellates, these structures may serve as armor plates. There are three major types of alveolates: ciliates, which move using cilia; dinoflagellates, which use flagella for movement; and apicomplexans, which are...
687
FISH - Fluorescent In-situ Hybridization02:07

FISH - Fluorescent In-situ Hybridization

Fluorescence in situ hybridization, or FISH, was developed in the early 1980s and has quickly become one of the most widely used techniques in cytogenetics. Labeled probes are used to bind complementary DNA or RNA sequences on a chromosome or in a region within a cell. Earlier, the probes could only be obtained by cloning or reverse transcription of a DNA template. Currently, the probe oligonucleotides can be synthesized synthetically. Additionally, with the advancement of optical techniques,...
23.4K
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...
739