Emerging fungal infections of man

Abstract

Many fungi are now emerging as important causes of superficial and deep seated infections of man. The indiscriminate use of broad spectrum antimicrobials by oral and topical routes and prolonged hospital stay have led to emergence of many new fungal pathogens like Candida auris, Histoplasma spp. and Emergomyces spp.. Of these, C. auris is an established nosocomial pathogen now and can colonize hospital surfaces very commonly. Immunocompromised status of the patients due to various causes like HIV infection, Diabetes mellitus and anticancer chemotherapy, have added to the problems of emerging mycoses. Other risk factors can be exposure to soil and vegetation, and aquatic animals, in case of Lobomycosis. Some of these emerging mycoses are caused by dimorphic fungi. Also, some of these pathogens are really not fungi but algae, like Prototheca spp. Many a times these fungal pathogens are very difficult to identify accurately and treat. Treatment options are limited and surgical excision may have to be tried. Some of them may not be culturable at all, and need histopathology to confirm diagnosis. Their taxonomy is also being revised and reviewed constantly. These aspects are very important and should be studied and reviewed. Here we have reviewed available information in this aspect.