Clinical and Treatment Aspects of Brown–Black Fungi |
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Authors: | Sanjay G Revankar |
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Institution: | (1) Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA;(2) Division of Infectious Diseases, Harper University Hospital, 3990 John R., 5 Hudson, Detroit, MI 48201, USA |
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Abstract: | Brown–black (or dematiaceous) fungi are responsible for a wide variety of infectious syndromes in both immunocompetent and
immunocompromised patients, including local infections, allergic disease, pneumonia, brain abscess, and disseminated infection.
They are distinct from the more common hyaline molds, Aspergillus and Fusarium, that cause human disease. They are often found in soil and generally distributed worldwide. In recent years, these fungi
have been increasingly recognized as important pathogens. Dematiaceous fungi may have unique pathogenic mechanisms owing to
the presence of melanin in their cell walls, which imparts the characteristic dark color to their spores and hyphae. Diagnosis
rests on careful microscopic and pathologic examination, as there are no specific laboratory tests to reliably identify these
fungi. Therapy depends upon the clinical syndrome, although disseminated infection often has high mortality. Triazoles such
as voriconazole, posaconazole, and itraconazole are the most active antifungal agents available. Further studies are needed
to better understand the pathogenesis and optimal treatment of these uncommon infections. |
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Keywords: | |
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