Definition Aspergillosis is a disease caused by one or more of the species of the genus Aspergillus . Sporelike structures called conidia are aerosolized from the mold form of the organism growing in the environment. When conidia reach tissue, they…
The majority of human cryptococcal infections are caused by one of two species: Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii. These species were previously separated into 3 varieties: C. neoformans var. neoformans, C. neoformans var. grubii, and C. neoformans var. gattii, which…
Sporotrichosis is a chronic subcutaneous fungal infection caused by thermally dimorphic fungal species in the Sporothrix schenckii complex . This species complex is found worldwide in soil, on decomposing vegetation, and on plant material, such as sphagnum moss, hay bales,…
Microbiology Malassezia (formerly called Pityrosporum ) is a genus of lipophilic, basidiomycetous yeasts lacking ballistospores and classified in the order Malasseziales . Its phylogenetic placement within the Ustilaginomycotina (Basidiomycota) is highly supported. Malassezia increasingly is recognized as an opportunist affecting…
Mucormycosis (formerly zygomycosis) is an uncommon but emerging infection that occurs in immunocompromised patients, including children and neonates. Previously, the term zygomycosis was used to refer to syndromes of mucormycosis and entomophthoromycosis, but updates in taxonomy determined that the phylum…
Agents of hyalohyphomycosis and phaeohyphomycosis are ubiquitous filamentous molds. (Moulds is the preferred spelling by many mycologists.) These molds are soil saprobes and plant pathogens that have gained notoriety as emerging pathogens in immunocompromised hosts, including children. The pathogenesis of…
Fungal disease contributes significantly to patients’ morbidity and mortality in certain clinical settings. Extensive medical interventions, immunosuppression, and a heightened awareness of fungal disease, particularly opportunistic mycoses in the setting of immune compromise, have all necessitated an increased understanding of…
Revised August 7, 2021 Invasive aspergillosis (IA) remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the immunosuppressed population. This infection is caused by Aspergillus , a hyaline mold, and is responsible for a variety of noninvasive or semiinvasive conditions.…