Related Experiment Videos
Systemic fungal infections in neonates
J M Nicholls1, K Y Yuen, A Y Tam
1Department of Pathology, University of Hong Kong.
British Journal of Hospital Medicine
|March 6, 1993
Summary
Fungi are widespread in the environment, yet human fungal infections are rare. This is especially true for newborns, who face an even more limited range of potential fungal diseases.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Neonatal Medicine
Background:
- Fungi represent a vast kingdom of organisms, with over 50,000 known species.
- These fungal species are ubiquitous, found commonly in soil, decaying organic matter, animal hosts, and the air.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the limited spectrum of fungal infections in humans.
- To investigate the even narrower range of fungal infections observed in neonates.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing mycological and clinical literature.
- Analysis of epidemiological data on human fungal pathogens.
- Comparative analysis of fungal infection prevalence in adult versus neonatal populations.
Main Results:
- Despite the immense diversity of fungi, the number of species causing human infections is relatively small.
- The incidence and variety of fungal infections are significantly lower in newborns compared to the general human population.
Conclusions:
- The limited spectrum of fungal infections in humans, particularly neonates, suggests specific host defense mechanisms or environmental factors at play.
- Further research is warranted to understand the factors contributing to the low incidence of fungal diseases in this vulnerable population.