Human Pathogenic Fungi: Molecular Biology and Pathogenic Mechanisms

Abstract

Fungi cause a spectrum of diseases in humans, ranging from comparatively innocuous superficial skin diseases caused by dermatophytes to invasive life-threatening infections caused by species such as Candida albicans, or Cryptococcus neoformans. Due to the opportunistic nature of most invasive mycoses, fungal pathogenicity has proven difficult to define. However, the application of new genomic and other molecular techniques in recent years has revolutionized the field, revealing fascinating new insights into the mechanisms of fungal pathogenesis. In this book, a panel of high profile contributors critically review the most important research to provide a timely overview. The book is divided into two sections. The first six chapters review the transformative effect of applying state-of-the-art tools and innovative approaches to research, particularly in the area of comparative biology. The second section consists of eight chapters, each dedicated to the molecular and cellular biology of a major fungal pathogen of humans: Candida, Aspergillus, Cryptococcus, Dermatophytes, Histoplasma, Blastomyces, Pneumocystis, and Paracoccidoides. These chapters provide a timely snapshot of the current state of research. The book will be an essential reference for students, researchers, and clinicians with an interest in fungal pathogenesis.