HistoplasmaVirulence and Host Responses

Mircea Radu Mihu,Joshua Daniel Nosanchuk

doi:10.1155/2012/268123

Mircea Radu Mihu, Joshua Daniel Nosanchuk

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1155/2012/268123

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Abstract

Histoplasma capsulatum is the most prevalent cause of fungal respiratory disease. The disease extent and outcomes are the result of the complex interaction between the pathogen and a host's immune system. The focus of our paper consists in presenting the current knowledge regarding the multiple facets of the dynamic host-pathogen relationship in the context of the virulence arsenal displayed by the fungus and the innate and adaptive immune responses of the host.

Highlights

Histoplasmosis was first described in 1906 by Darling among the workers of the Panama Canal [1], and it is currently the most common cause of fungal respiratory disease with almost 500,000 individuals acquiring the fungus each year [2]
The mortality rate associated with invasive histoplasmosis is still unacceptably high, despite the use of broad spectrum antifungal agents, which emphasizes the need for developing novel therapies and effective preventive strategies
As outlined in this paper, targeting virulence determinants of H. capsulatum and attempts to modify the capacity of the host to respond to the fungal invader are actively being pursued by researchers

Summary

Review Article Histoplasma Virulence and Host Responses

Histoplasma capsulatum is the most prevalent cause of fungal respiratory disease. The disease extent and outcomes are the result of the complex interaction between the pathogen and a host’s immune system. The focus of our paper consists in presenting the current knowledge regarding the multiple facets of the dynamic host-pathogen relationship in the context of the virulence arsenal displayed by the fungus and the innate and adaptive immune responses of the host

Introduction

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Discussion