Genetic susceptibility to fungal infections in humans

MS Lionakis - Current fungal infection reports, 2012 - Springer
MS Lionakis
Current fungal infection reports, 2012Springer
Most fungal infections in humans occur in the setting of iatrogenic immunosuppression or
HIV infection. In the absence of these factors, fungi cause mild, self-limited infections that
typically involve mucocutaneous surfaces. Hence, when persistent or recurrent
mucocutaneous infections (chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis [CMC]) or invasive fungal
infections (IFIs) develop in a “normal” host, they are indicative of genetic defects causing
innate or adaptive immune dysfunction. In this review, recent developments concerning …
Abstract
Most fungal infections in humans occur in the setting of iatrogenic immunosuppression or HIV infection. In the absence of these factors, fungi cause mild, self-limited infections that typically involve mucocutaneous surfaces. Hence, when persistent or recurrent mucocutaneous infections (chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis [CMC]) or invasive fungal infections (IFIs) develop in a “normal” host, they are indicative of genetic defects causing innate or adaptive immune dysfunction. In this review, recent developments concerning genetic and immunologic factors that affect the risk for IFIs and CMC are critically discussed.
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