Authors: Garbino, Jorge; Katragkou, Aspasia; Roilides, Emmanuel

Source: Expert Review of Anti-Infective Therapy, Volume 5, Number 1, February 2007 , pp. 129-140(12)

Publisher: Expert Reviews

Abstract:

Invasive yeast infections are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with defective immune response, such as those with cancer-related immunosuppression, organ transplantation or other immunodeficiencies, and neonates. Hospitalization in the intensive care unit may increase the risk for such infections. Despite the advent of new antifungal agents, the problem is escalating as the number of susceptible hosts increase and virulent, more resistant fungal strains emerge. Over the past few years, advances in immunology and molecular biology have greatly contributed to a better understanding of the pathogenesis of yeast infections. There is evidence that reconstitution of the host immune function is a major contributor to the resolution of yeast infections. Strategies aiming to increase the phagocyte number (e.g., granulocyte transfusions), to stimulate immune response (e.g., administration of hematopoietic growth factors and other proinflammatory cytokines) and to stimulate antigen-specific immunity (e.g., antibody therapy or vaccination) benefit patients at risk of, or suffering from, yeast infections. Further preclinical and clinical studies, as well as improving our understanding of immune system functions and dysfunctions, remain a future challenge.

Keywords: antibodies; Candida spp; candidemia; candidiasis; cytokine; fungal infection; granulocyte transfusion; growth factor; host defence; immunomodulation; yeast

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1586/14787210.5.1.129

Publication date: 2007-02-01

More about this publication?

• Expert Review of Anti-infective Therapy provides expert reviews on therapeutics and diagnostics in the treatment of infectious disease. Coverage includes antibiotics, drug resistance, drug therapy, infectious disease medicine, antibacterial, antimicrobial, antifungal and antiviral approaches, and diagnostic tests.
• Editorial Board
• Information for Authors
• Submit a Paper
• Subscribe to this Title
• Information for Advertisers
• Terms & Conditions
• Information for Librarians
• Free Trials
• ingentaconnect is not responsible for the content or availability of external websites

Related content

• In this: publication
• By this: publisher
• In this Subject: Microbiology ,  Medicine ,  Medicine (General)
• By this author: Garbino, Jorge ;  Katragkou, Aspasia ;  Roilides, Emmanuel

Website © Publishing Technology. Article copyright remains with the publisher, society or author(s) as specified within the article.

• Terms and conditions
• Privacy policy
• Information for advertisers