Fungal infections

Abstract

The clinical relevance of fungal diseases has increased due to increased populations of immunocompromised patients. Fungal infections are classified according to the site of the primary infection: superficial, cutaneous, subcutaneous, and deep or systemic. Dimorphic fungi assume both yeast and hyphal states based on environmental conditions and the hosts' immune response. Certain fungi can synthesize capsular components, which can affect host immune responses. The innate response to fungi serves two purposes: a direct antifungal effector activity, and activation and induction of the specific adaptive immune responses. Understanding the immune responses to fungal infections has led to better diagnostic tests and therapeutic interventions for fungal diseases. © 2008 Springer London.