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Updated: Oct 2, 2025
12:33
Determination of Biofilm Initiation on Virus-infected Cells by Bacteria and Fungi
Published on: July 6, 2016
9.8K
Fungal Colonization and Infections-Interactions with Other Human Diseases
Shanmuga S Mahalingam1, Sangeetha Jayaraman1, Pushpa Pandiyan1,2,3
1Department of Biological Sciences, School of Dental Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA.
Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland)
|February 26, 2022
Summary
Opportunistic fungi like Candida albicans can cause serious infections when barriers breach. This review explores fungal roles in inflammatory-bowel disease, cancers, and COVID-19, highlighting host-fungal interactions.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Immunology
- Pathogenesis
Background:
- Candida albicans is a common commensal fungus colonizing healthy individuals.
- Infections range from asymptomatic to life-threatening sepsis (70% mortality).
- Fungi influence diseases via pro-carcinogenic agents, molecular mimicry, and inflammation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of Candida albicans and other opportunistic fungi in human diseases.
- To summarize recent developments in understanding host-fungal interactions.
- To discuss fungal associations with inflammatory-bowel disease (IBD), cancers, and COVID-19.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent studies on host-fungal interactions.
- Synthesis of current knowledge on fungal roles in specific pathologies.
- Focus on IBD, cancers, and COVID-19 contexts.
Main Results:
- Fungal interactions impact bacteriome, immune system, and disease outcomes.
- Mechanistic understanding is developing but crucial for immune homeostasis.
- Fungi are increasingly recognized in IBD, cancer, and COVID-19 pathogenesis.
Conclusions:
- Opportunistic fungi play a significant role in various human diseases.
- Further research into host-fungal interactions is vital for therapeutic advancements.
- Understanding fungal roles is critical in managing IBD, cancer, and infectious pandemics like COVID-19.
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