Human Invasive Mycoses: Immunogenetics on the Rise

Exophiala species are ubiquitous dematiaceous yeast-like fungi of the order Chaetothyriales that bear melanin-like pigment in their cell wall that is responsible for their dark color and is thought to be a major fungal virulence factor [1-3]. Among the agents of phaeohyphomycosis (cutaneous, subcuta...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:The Journal of infectious diseases 2015-04, Vol.211 (8), p.1205-1207
Main Authors: Lionakis, Michail S., Holland, Steven M.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
CARD Signaling Adaptor Proteins - deficiency
CARD Signaling Adaptor Proteins - genetics
Chaetothyriales
EDITORIAL COMMENTARY
Exophiala
Exophiala dermatitidis
Exophiala spinifera
Female
Humans
Phaeohyphomycosis - genetics
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Summary:Exophiala species are ubiquitous dematiaceous yeast-like fungi of the order Chaetothyriales that bear melanin-like pigment in their cell wall that is responsible for their dark color and is thought to be a major fungal virulence factor [1-3]. Among the agents of phaeohyphomycosis (cutaneous, subcutaneous, and invasive infections caused by dark-walled fungi), most human Exophiala infections are subacute to chronic and confined to the skin, typically following traumatic inoculation [1-3]. Invasive Exophiala infections are rare and associated with high fatality rates [1-3]. Exophiala dermatitidis accounts for most of these invasive infections and has a tropism for the central nervous system; Exophiala spinifera infection is less common, with no neurotropism but with a predilection for bone [1-3]. Until now, inherited susceptibility to invasive Exophiala infection was recognized only in patients with chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) [4], who have defects in phagocyte oxidative cytotoxicity [5, 6].
ISSN:0022-1899
1537-6613
DOI:10.1093/infdis/jiu411