The Book of Fungal Pathogens

Description

Fungi can be harmful to global health, biodiversity and agriculture and they are responsible for life-threatening diseases, especially in individuals with a weakened immune system. Over the last decades, the number of invasive infections, mainly caused by fungi belonging to Candida, Cryptococcus, Aspergillus and Pneumocystis genera has increased and negatively affected the clinical outcomes of the patients. With regard to all these issues, this book focuses on the processes associated with fungal pathogenesis. The authors believe that this book will serve as a useful reference for consultations with specialists in the Mycology field since it contemplates the most important issues in the proposed area. The chapters are written by experts who actively contribute to international scientific literature. The editors also believe that the theme is a very attractive proposal and the compilation of interesting data will benefit readers in terms of identification, epidemiology, pathogenesis, and treatment of predominant fungal infections around the world. "The Book of Fungal Pathogens" contains 18 chapters, several pictures, diagrams, and tables that can be used in both undergraduate and postgraduate teaching as well as scientific lectures. Contents Preface References Chapter 1 Fungal Diseases and COVID-19 Abstract Introduction Aspergillosis Mucormycosis Candidemia Conclusion References Chapter 2 New Aspect of Candida spp. Infections Abstract Introduction Virulence Factors and Candida Infections Adhesion Biofilm Formation Extracellular Hydrolytic Enzymes Polymorphism Antifungal Resistance Antifungals and Their Targets Azoles Polyenes Allylamines Morpholines Echinocandins 5-Flucytosine (5FC) Molecular Resistance Mechanisms of Candida spp. against Common Antifungal Drugs New Therapeutic Strategies Novel Drug and Delivery Systems in the Management of Candidiasis Colloidal Carriers Microemulsions Micelles Nano Emulsion Vesicular Carriers Liposomes Liposomes Nanoparticulate Carriers Nano Sponges Silver Nanoparticles Gold Nanoparticles Nanofibers Carbon Nanotubes Polymeric NPs Dendrimers New Therapeutic Agents against Fungal Infections Rezafungin Stage of Development and Clinical Studies Ibrexafungerp Stage of Development and Clinical Studies Fosmanogepix Stage of Development and Clinical Studies Nikkomycin Z Stage of Development and Clinical Studies Agents Targeting Cell Membrane VT-1129, VT-1161, and VT-1598 Stage of Development and Clinical Studies Encochleated Amphotericin B Stage of Development and Clinical Studies Natural Approaches to Candidiasis Probiotic and Candidiasis In vitro Antifungal Effects of Probiotics In vivo the Antifungal Effects of Probiotics Oral Candidiasis Urogenital Tract Gastrointestinal Tract Conclusion References Chapter 3 Pathogenesis of Oral Candidiasis: A Virulence Insight into Drug Discovery and New Treatments Abstract Introduction Oral Candidiasis Virulence and Resistence of Candida spp. Therapeutic Management of Oral Candidiasis Antifungal Drugs Polyenes Azoles Echinocandins Novel Antifungal Therapies References Chapter 4 Candida auris, an Emerging Pathogen: Virulence and Current Diagnostic Approaches and Therapeutic Options Abstract Introduction Epidemiology Diagnostic Methods Virulence Factors and Resistance Mechanisms Treatment Options Conclusion References Chapter 5 Talaromyces marneffei: Biology, Epidemiology, Diagnosis and Treatment Abstract Introduction Biology Morphology - Dimorphism, Growth and Reproduction Metabolism Virulence Factors Epidemiology Source and Mode of Transmission Clinical Manifestations in HIV-Positive Patients Clinical Manifestations in HIV-Negative Patients Immune Response against T. marneffei Diagnosis Treatment Conclusion References Chapter 6 Outstanding Questions in the Field from the Curious Coccidioidomycosis Abstract Introduction Distribution, Reservoirs and Ecological Niches Pathophysiology and Clinical Aspects Laboratory Diagnosis Treatment and Other Possible Control Strategies Conclusion References Chapter 7 Sporotrichosis, the Fungal Disease Caused by Members of the Sporothrix Genus Abstract Introduction Pathogenicity and Distribution of Sporothrix Species Morphology Reproduction and In vitro Growth Conditions Ecology Virulence Factors Zoonotic Outbreaks: Animal Sporotrichosis Human Sporotrichosis Cutaneous Sporotrichosis Mucosal Sporotrichosis Extracutaneous Sporotrichosis Hypersensitivity Reaction Diagnosis Direct Examination Histopathological Examination Culturing and Identification of the Causative Fungal Species Sporothrix Species Molecular Identification Sporotrichin Skin Test Immunological Detection Treatment A Saturated Solution of Potassium Iodide (SSKI) Itraconazole Fluconazole Polyenes Allylamines Thermotherapy Surgery Experimental Alternative Treatments References Chapter 8 Paracoccidioidomycosis: An Update from the Environment to Clinics Abstract Introduction The Paracoccidioides Genus: From the Environment to Colonize Mammal Host Clinical Manifestations Paracoccidioidomycosis Diagnosis Mycological Examination: Direct Observation and Culture-Based Method Histological Diagnosis Serological Diagnosis Molecular Tools for PCM Diagnosis Emergent Diagnosis Tools Controlling Paracoccidioidomycosis Treatment Prophylaxis Conclusion References Chapter 9 Dermatophytes and Dermatophytosis: A New Look at an Old Mycosis Abstract Introduction: Historical and Taxonomic Aspects Epidemiology Pathogenic and Clinical Aspects Tinea Epidermophytoses Dermatophytic Onychomycoses Subcutaneous and Deep Dermatophytoses Laboratory Identification of Dermatophytes: From Morphophenotypic Characteristics to Phylogenetic Cladograms The Genus Microsporum and Its Main Species of Interest Microsporum canis Microsporum gypseum The Genus Trichophyton and the Main Species of Interest Trichophyton rubrum Trichophyton tonsurans Trichophyton interdigitales/Trichophyotn mentagrophytes Complex Trichophyton concentricum Trichophyton schoenleinii The Epidermophyton Genus Treatment Conclusion References Chapter 10 Some Rare and Endemic Fungal Species: The Cause of Difficult-to-Diagnose Community-Acquired Mycoses Abstract Introduction Coccidioidomycosis Brief Background The Life Cycle of Coccidioides sp. Classification, Signs and Symptoms Epidemiology Risk Factors Diagnosis and Testing Prevention and Treatment Paracoccidioidomycosis Brief Background Life Cycle of Paracoccidioides sp. Classification, Signs and Symptoms Epidemiology Risk Factors Diagnosis and Testing Prevention and Treatment Cryptococcosis Brief Background Life Cycle of Cryptococcus sp. Classification, Signs and Symptoms Epidemiology Risk Factors Diagnosis and Testing Prevention and Treatment Basidiobolomycosis Brief Background Life Cycle of Basidiobolus sp. Classification, Signs and Symptoms Epidemiology Risk Factors Diagnosis and Testing Prevention and Treatment Sporotrichosis Brief Background Life Cycle of Sporothrix sp. Classification, Signs and Symptoms Epidemiology Risk Factors Diagnosis and Testing Prevention and Treatment Conclusion References Chapter 11 Purpureocillium lilacinum: From Environment to Emergent Human Pathogens Abstract Introduction Purpureocillium lilacinum Environmental Aspects Clinical Aspects Diagnosis and Treatment In vitro Antifungal Susceptibility Experimental Models: Attempts to Understand the Fungus-Host Relationship Conclusion References Chapter 12 The Genus Diaporthe: A Prolific Source of Novel Bioactive Metabolites Abstract Introduction Novel Bioactive Secondary Metabolites: Polyketides Xanthones Chromanes, Chromones and Chromanones Benzofuranones and Related Compounds Pyrones Macrolides Quinones Oblongolides Azaphilones Miscellaneous Terpenoids Monoterpenoids (C10) Sesquiterpenoids (C15) Diterpenoids (C20) Triterpenoids (C30) Steroids Alkaloids Pyridone/Pyridine Analogues Piperazine Based Alkaloids Maleimides Indole Alkaloid Peptides Amides Secondary Metabolites from Mixed Biosynthetic Pathways Cytochalasins Other Compounds Secreted Enzymes Enzymes in Diaporthe Conclusion References Chapter 13 Taking a Break: Host-Fungi in a Distance Relationship Abstract Introduction Cryptococcus: An Opportunistic Killer Fungus with a Wide Virulence Arsenal Fonsecaea spp. Extracellular Components: From the Cell Wall to Beyond Conclusion References Chapter 14 Mycobiota Dysbiosis in Immune-Associated Pathologies Abstract Introduction Host-Microbiota Interactions in Mucosal Tissues Mycobiota and Immune System Development Gut Mycobiota in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases Lung Mycobiota in Airway Diseases Gut-Lung Mycobiota Axis in Airway Diseases Gut-Liver Mycobiota Axis in Hepatic Diseases Host-Microbiota Interactions in the Skin Mycobiota in Skin Diseases Conclusion References Chapter 15 Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19)-Positive Patients as Susceptible Hosts to Severe Fungal Coinfections Abstract Introduction Aspergillosis and COVID-19 Candidiasis and COVID-19 Mucormycosis and COVID-19 Other Clinically Relevant Fungi and COVID-19 Conclusion References Chapter 16 Antifungal Resistance Mechanisms Abstract Introduction Efflux Transport Alteration of the Antifungal Target Site Overexpression of Drug Target Reduction of the Drug Uptake Conclusion: Final Considerations and Future Perspectives References Chapter 17 Drug Delivery Systems Targeting Fungal Brain Diseases: Achievements, Challenges and Perspectives Abstract Introduction Antifungal Therapy for Central Nervous System Infections and Pharmacokinetics Nanocarriers for Drug Delivery Targeting the Central Nervous System Amphotericin B Formulations Multifunctionalization of Nanocarriers Approved Nanopharmaceutical for Brain Disorders: An Inspiration for Developing Formulations to Treat Fungal Central Nervous System Diseases Challenges in the Nanocarrier Development Targeting Central Nervous System Conclusion and Perspectives References Chapter 18 Trehalose Biosynthesis: Neutralizing Fungal Menace by Attacking Its Achilles Heel Abstract Introduction Trehalose Biosynthesis Roles of Trehalose in Fungal Pathogens Aspergillus Candida Cryptococcus Fusarium Paracoccidioides brasiliensis Conclusion: The Structure of TPS/TPP Complex References Index Editors’ Contact Information Blank Page