Infectious Diseases and HIV Conference

Mycoses are infectious diseases caused by pathogenic fungi that invade or develop in the human body to result in a variety of health problems. These infections can range from the most superficial types, including skin or nail infections, through systemic, potentially deadly, conditions affecting any part of the body.

Fungal diseases generally include athlete's foot and ringworm, candidiasis, and more serious types, such as aspergillosis, cryptococcosis, and invasive candidiasis. Fungal infections are primarily opportunistic infections, which means that their prevalence is more pronounced in compromised hosts, such as those infected with HIV/AIDS, cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, or those who have undergone organ transplants.

Even though these pathogens are opportunistic, some are mainly pathogenic in natural hosts, including healthy individuals. These fungi include Histoplasma and Coccidioides that, in definite geographical locations, flourish and cause infection following inhalation.

Fungal infection tends to be acquired by environmental exposure, by being ingested spores or through contact with infected surfaces. Fungi prefer warm and moist environments so that some infections, including athlete's foot and ringworm, are more likely to be encountered by athletes or those who spend an increased amount of their time in public facilities such as pools or locker rooms.

The treatment depends on the type of fungus and the severity of the infection. There are different classes of antifungal drugs, such as azoles, echinocandins, and polygenes.

One of the major threats these drug-resistant fungi like Candida auras present is in medical facilities because it is easy for them to spread around.. Proper hygiene practices to avoid exposure to the infection, minimum exposure to risk environments, and prophylaxis with antifungals for susceptible patients can also reduce risks from fungal infections.

This session will address real causes, symptoms, modes of transmission, and the latest treatment options for fungal infectious diseases.

Other topics in the agenda include emerging drug-resistant fungal pathogens, advances in antifungal therapies, and strategies for the prevention and early diagnosis of patients that stand to improve clinical outcomes for fungal infections.