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Novel, Emerging and Neglected Fungal Pathogens for Humans
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Novel, Emerging and Neglected Fungal Pathogens for Humans

A special issue of Journal of Fungi (ISSN 2309-608X).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 28 February 2025 | Viewed by 2201

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Chi-Ching Tsang

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Medical and Health Sciences, Tung Wah College, Homantin, Hong Kong
Interests: medical mycology; emerging infectious diseases; discovery and characterisation of novel pathogens; diagnostic microbiology; antimicrobial susceptibility testing and resistance detection
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

An increasing number of fungal species are recognized as being pathogenic to humans. One of the reasons for this trend is that clinical fungi can now be more accurately identified using molecular technologies. Therefore, fungi previously uncommonly encountered can now be recognized as causes of infections. Unknown fungi of clinical origin can also be characterized via genealogical concordance approaches and described as novel species. A notable example is the recognition of the yeast Candida auris as a species distinct from Candida haemulonii and Candida ruelliae, and it is now notorious for its persistence in the environment, as well as its multi-drug-resistant properties. Knowledge of these novel, emerging and/or neglected fungal pathogens is unfortunately lacking; thus, more research into them is needed.

In this Special Issue, we invite researchers to contribute original research and review articles on novel, emerging and neglected fungal pathogens that affect humans. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the following subjects:

  • Description of novel human pathogenic fungal species;
  • Pathogenesis or virulence;
  • Antifungal susceptibility and resistance;
  • Epidemiology;
  • Diagnostic methods;
  • Any other relevant areas.

Dr. Chi-Ching Tsang
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Journal of Fungi is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • description of novel human pathogenic fungal species
  • pathogenesis or virulence
  • antifungal susceptibility and resistance
  • epidemiology
  • diagnostic methods
  • any other relevant areas

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Further information on MDPI's Special Issue polices can be found here.

Published Papers (2 papers)

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14 pages, 3048 KiB  
Article
Enhanced Specificity in Colorimetric LAMP Assay for Sarocladium kiliense Detection Using a Combination of Two Additives
by Yu-Ning Wong, Pak-Ting Hau, Eddie Chung-Ting Chau, Laam-Ching Ng, Michaela Murillo, Joshua Fung, Wai-Wai Po, Ray Chun-Wai Yu, Melody Kai-Ting Kam, Emily Wan-Ting Tam, Chi-Ching Tsang and Franklin Wang-Ngai Chow
J. Fungi 2024, 10(12), 857; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof10120857 - 11 Dec 2024
Viewed by 527
Abstract
The genus Sarocladium comprises fungal species closely related to Acremonium, with S. kiliense and S. strictum being medically important. These species can cause infections in both immunocompetent and immunocompromised individuals. The current detection methods are limited, prompting the need for rapid and [...] Read more.
The genus Sarocladium comprises fungal species closely related to Acremonium, with S. kiliense and S. strictum being medically important. These species can cause infections in both immunocompetent and immunocompromised individuals. The current detection methods are limited, prompting the need for rapid and specific diagnostic tools. We developed a colorimetric loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay targeting S. kiliense (SK-LAMP). The initial prototype assay faced challenges with cross-reactivities with closely related species. To address this, we incorporated two additives, pullulan and tetramethylammonium chloride (TMAC), which are known to reduce non-specific signals in amplification assays. Our study found that a combination of 1% (v/v) pullulan and 0.03 M TMAC enhanced the specific detection of S. kiliense in a 45 min reaction, without non-specific false-positive results for other fungal species. This optimised LAMP assay demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity, offering a reliable and rapid method for detecting S. kiliense. The novel approach of combining additives to enhance assay specificity presents a promising strategy for improving LAMP assays targeting closely related fungal species. This advancement can aid in the timely diagnosis and management of infections caused by S. kiliense, contributing to better patient outcomes and infection control. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel, Emerging and Neglected Fungal Pathogens for Humans)
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15 pages, 1754 KiB  
Systematic Review
Diversity and Distribution of Fungal Infections in Rwanda: High Risk and Gaps in Knowledge, Policy, and Interventions
by Claude Mambo Muvunyi, Jean Claude Semuto Ngabonziza, Masaisa Florence, Isabelle Mukagatare, Marc Twagirumukiza, Ayman Ahmed and Emmanuel Edwar Siddig
J. Fungi 2024, 10(9), 658; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof10090658 - 18 Sep 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1180
Abstract
Fungal infections (FIs) are spreading globally, raising a significant public health concern. However, its documentation remains sparse in Africa, particularly in Rwanda. This report provides a comprehensive review of FIs in Rwanda based on a systematic review of reports published between 1972 and [...] Read more.
Fungal infections (FIs) are spreading globally, raising a significant public health concern. However, its documentation remains sparse in Africa, particularly in Rwanda. This report provides a comprehensive review of FIs in Rwanda based on a systematic review of reports published between 1972 and 2022. The findings reveal a rich diversity of fungal pathogens, including Blastomyces, Candida, Cryptococcus, Histoplasma, Microsporum, Pneumocystis, Rhinosporidium, and Trichophyton caused human infections. Candida infections predominantly affect the vagina mucosa, while Histoplasma duboisi was linked to disseminated infections. Other pathogens, such as Blastomyces dermatitidis and Rhinosporidium seeberi, were associated with cerebellar and nasal mucosa infections, respectively. The widespread observation of soilborne fungi affecting bean crops highlights the pathogens’ threat to agricultural productivity, food security, and socioeconomic stability, as well as potential health impacts on humans, animals, and the environment. Of particular importance is that there is no information about FIs among animals in the country. Moreover, the analysis underscores significant limitations in the detection, reporting, and healthcare services related to FIs in the country, indicating gaps in diagnostic capacity and surveillance systems. This is underscored by the predominant use of traditional diagnostic techniques, including culture, cytology, and histopathology in the absence of integrating more sensitive and specific molecular tools in investigating FIs. Developing the diagnostic capacities and national surveillance systems are urgently needed to improve the health of crops, animals, and humans, as well as food security and socioeconomic stability in Rwanda. Also, it is important to indicate severe gaps in the evidence to inform policymaking, guide strategic planning, and improve healthcare and public health services, underscoring the urgent need to build national capacity in fungal diagnosis, surveillance, and research. Raising awareness among the public, scientific community, healthcare providers, and policymakers remains crucial. Furthermore, this report reveals the threats of FIs on public health and food insecurity in Rwanda. A multisectoral one health strategy is essential in research and intervention to determine and reduce the health and safety impacts of fungal pathogens on humans, animals, and the environment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel, Emerging and Neglected Fungal Pathogens for Humans)
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