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Updated: Mar 20, 2026
10:06
Efficient Method for Imaging Murine Lungs that Preserves Spatial Dynamics of Fungal Spores in the Airways
Published on: December 13, 2024
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Pulmonary mycoses: a clinical perspective
Klara Verstappen1,2, Cédric Bosteels1,2, Eva Van Braeckel1,2
1Department of Respiratory Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.
Breathe (Sheffield, England)
|March 19, 2026
Summary
Pulmonary mycoses are diverse fungal infections affecting the lungs. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment, utilizing advanced imaging and markers like beta-glucan, are crucial for managing these complex diseases.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology and Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Immunology
Background:
- Pulmonary mycoses involve various fungi, with susceptibility linked to immune defects and barrier disruption.
- Clinical and radiological presentations are highly variable, necessitating accurate diagnostics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge on pulmonary mycoses.
- To highlight practical considerations for diagnosis and management.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of current literature on epidemiology, clinical and radiological features.
- Review of diagnostic methods including imaging, histopathology, and biomarkers.
- Assessment of therapeutic options, including emerging agents and immunotherapy.
Main Results:
- Pulmonary mycoses present diversely, from colonization to life-threatening disease.
- High-resolution CT aids diagnosis, but histopathology remains gold standard.
- (1→3)-β-d-glucan and other markers guide diagnosis; culture-based and non-culture-based tests are essential for pathogen identification.
Conclusions:
- Prompt, guideline-concordant therapy is emphasized.
- Emerging antifungal agents and immunotherapies offer hope for resistant cases.
- Integrated diagnostic approaches are key for effective management of pulmonary fungal infections.
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