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Humans vs. Fungi: An Overview of Fungal Pathogens against Humans
Kasun M Thambugala1,2,3, Dinushani A Daranagama4, Danushka S Tennakoon5
1Genetics and Molecular Biology Unit, Faculty of Applied Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Gangodawila, Nugegoda 10250, Sri Lanka.
Abstract:
Human fungal diseases are infections caused by any fungus that invades human tissues, causing superficial, subcutaneous, or systemic diseases. Fungal infections that enter various human tissues and organs pose a significant threat to millions of individuals with weakened immune systems globally. Over recent decades, the reported cases of invasive fungal infections have increased substantially and research progress in this field has also been rapidly boosted. This review provides a comprehensive list of human fungal pathogens extracted from over 850 recent case reports, and a summary of the relevant disease conditions and their origins. Details of 281 human fungal pathogens belonging to 12 classes and 104 genera in the divisions ascomycota, basidiomycota, entomophthoromycota, and mucoromycota are listed. Among these, Aspergillus stands out as the genus with the greatest potential of infecting humans, comprising 16 species known to infect humans. Additionally, three other genera, Curvularia, Exophiala, and Trichophyton, are recognized as significant genera, each comprising 10 or more known human pathogenic species. A phylogenetic analysis based on partial sequences of the 28S nrRNA gene (LSU) of human fungal pathogens was performed to show their phylogenetic relationships and clarify their taxonomies. In addition, this review summarizes the recent advancements in fungal disease diagnosis and therapeutics.
Insights
This review details 281 human fungal pathogens, highlighting Aspergillus as the most common genus. It covers fungal disease origins, diagnosis, and therapeutics, crucial for immunocompromised individuals.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Medical Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Human fungal diseases are a growing global health concern, particularly for immunocompromised populations.
- Invasive fungal infections have seen a substantial increase in reported cases.
- Recent decades have witnessed rapid advancements in fungal disease research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compile a comprehensive list of human fungal pathogens from recent case reports.
- To summarize disease conditions, origins, and phylogenetic relationships of fungal pathogens.
- To review recent progress in the diagnosis and treatment of fungal diseases.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of over 850 recent case reports on human fungal infections.
- Detailed listing of 281 human fungal pathogens across 12 classes and 104 genera.
- Phylogenetic analysis using partial 28S nrRNA gene (LSU) sequences.
Main Results:
- Identified 281 human fungal pathogens from Ascomycota, Basidiomycota, Entomophthoromycota, and Mucoromycota.
- Aspergillus is the most prevalent genus, with 16 human-infecting species.
- Curvularia, Exophiala, and Trichophyton are significant genera, each with over 10 pathogenic species.
Conclusions:
- This review provides a critical resource for understanding human fungal pathogens and their associated diseases.
- Phylogenetic analysis aids in clarifying fungal taxonomy and relationships.
- Summarizes current diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for fungal infections.
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