Abstract
Fungal taxonomy is the branch of mycology by which we classify and group fungi based on similarities or differences. Historically, this was done by morphologic characteristics and other phenotypic traits. However, with the advent of the molecular age in mycology, phylogenetic analysis based on DNA sequences has replaced these classic means for grouping related species. This, along with the abandonment of the dual nomenclature system, has led to a marked increase in the number of new species and reclassification of known species. Although these evaluations and changes are necessary to move the field forward, there is concern among medical mycologists that the rapidity by which fungal nomenclature is changing could cause confusion in the clinical literature. Thus, there is a proposal to allow medical mycologists to adopt changes in taxonomy and nomenclature at a slower pace. In this review, changes in the taxonomy and nomenclature of medically relevant fungi will be discussed along with the impact this may have on clinicians and patient care. Specific examples of changes and current controversies will also be given.
Highlights
Kingdom Fungi is a large and diverse group of organisms for which our knowledge is rapidly expanding
There is no single source that can be used to stay abreast of changes in fungal taxonomy and literature, as descriptions of new species or revised classifications are published in various scientific journals [58], many of which lack clinical scope
The field of medical mycology is rapidly changing due to the introduction of new molecular and proteomic technologies
Summary
Kingdom Fungi is a large and diverse group of organisms for which our knowledge is rapidly expanding. The potential clinical relevance of yet to be discovered species is highlighted by the nearly 10-fold increase in reports of newly described fungal pathogens in plants, animals and humans since 1995 [6], as well as by outbreaks of infections caused by fungi previously not associated with severe disease in humans [7,8,9,10]. Those that are capable of causing systemic infections in humans often have key attributes that make this possible (e.g., growth at 37 ◦ C, penetrate or circumvent host barriers, digest and absorb components of human tissue, withstand immune responses of host) [11]. Fungi 2018, 4, 138 review, changes in taxonomy and nomenclature of clinically relevant fungi will be discussed as will the challenges posed to clinicians and clinical microbiology laboratories by these changes
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