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Basidiomycosis: a review of the literature
C da S Lacaz1, E M Heins-Vaccari, N T De Melo
1Laboratory of Medical Mycology, Institute of Tropical Medicine, São Paulo, Brazil. valacaz@spider.usp.br
Abstract:
The basidiomycosis, fungal infections provoked by basidiomycetes or agaric fungi have been recorded at growing frequencies in the medical literature, especially after the advent of AIDS in 1991. The basidiospores of these fungi, scattered in the atmosphere and transported by winds or air currents, reach the maxillary sinuses through the nasal route, most of the times causing signs and symptoms of chronic sinusitis. Basidiomycetes have also been isolated from sputum, especially Schizophyllum commune. Lesions of the buccal mucosa, brain abscesses, onychomycosis and endocarditis have been described, with a growing interest in this type of deep mycosis on the part of mycologists and infectologists. The present paper reports descriptions of mycetism as well as infectious processes caused by basidiomycetes, such as Schizophyllum commune, Ustilago maydis (= Ustilago zeae) and Coprinus cinereus.
Insights
Basidiomycosis, fungal infections from basidiomycetes, are increasingly reported. These fungi can cause sinusitis and deep mycoses, affecting various organs and requiring medical attention.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Basidiomycosis, fungal infections caused by basidiomycetes (agaric fungi), are increasingly documented.
- The rise in cases correlates with the advent of Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) in 1991.
- Basidiospores are airborne, leading to potential infection via the nasal route, often manifesting as chronic sinusitis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe mycetism and infectious processes caused by basidiomycetes.
- To highlight the growing interest in deep mycoses among mycologists and infectologists.
- To document specific basidiomycete species implicated in human infections.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and case reporting of basidiomycosis.
- Identification of basidiomycetes from clinical samples (e.g., sputum).
- Description of clinical manifestations and affected sites.
Main Results:
- Basidiomycetes are identified as causative agents of various infections.
- Commonly implicated species include Schizophyllum commune, Ustilago maydis, and Coprinus cinereus.
- Infections range from sinusitis to severe deep mycoses like brain abscesses and endocarditis.
Conclusions:
- Basidiomycosis represents a significant and growing group of fungal infections.
- These fungi can cause a spectrum of diseases, from localized infections to life-threatening systemic mycoses.
- Further research and clinical awareness are crucial for managing basidiomycosis.