Dermatophytes: host-pathogen interaction and antifungal resistance

Cutaneous mycoses are among the most common infections in humans and have become an important public health issue because they cause invasive infections in immunocompromised patients. During the infectious process, dermatophyte-host interactions trigger specific metabolic adaptations that allow the...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Anais brasileiros de dermatología 2010-09, Vol.85 (5), p.657-667
Main Authors: Peres, Nalu Teixera de Aguiar, Maranhão, Fernanda Cristina Albuquerque, Rossi, Antonio, Martinez-Rossi, Nilce Maria
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Antifungal Agents - pharmacology
Arthrodermataceae - drug effects
Arthrodermataceae - metabolism
Arthrodermataceae - physiology
Drug Resistance, Fungal
Host-Pathogen Interactions - physiology
Humans
Microbial Sensitivity Tests
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Summary:Cutaneous mycoses are among the most common infections in humans and have become an important public health issue because they cause invasive infections in immunocompromised patients. During the infectious process, dermatophyte-host interactions trigger specific metabolic adaptations that allow the pathogen to adhere to and penetrate the host tissue, scavenge nutrients, and overcome the host defense mechanisms. This metabolic shift and the interplay between metabolism, morphogenesis and stress response are important factors that have been extensively studied in several pathogens. Host cells also respond to the pathogen stimuli by activating intracellular signaling pathways that trigger the immune response against the infectious agent. The comprehension of the molecular aspects of these responses may help to establish new therapeutical strategies. In this review, different aspects of the biology of dermatophytes are addressed, with emphasis on the dermatophyte-host interaction and the mechanisms of antifungal resistance.
ISSN:1806-4841
DOI:10.1590/s0365-05962010000500009