title: [Regional laboratory network for surveillance of invasive fungal infections and antifungal susceptibility in Latin America].
abstract: This article describes the general objectives of the Regional Laboratory Network for Surveillance of Invasive Fungal Infections and Antifungal Susceptibility in Latin America. Formation of the Network was coordinated by the Essential Medicines, Vaccines, and Health Technologies Unit of the Pan American Health Organization, with the technical and financial support of the National Center for Microbiology of the Carlos III Health Institute (Spain), and the technical support of the Microbiology Department of the Dr. C. Malbrán National Institute on Infectious Diseases (Argentina) and the Microbiology Unit of the Parasitology Service of the Adolfo Lutz Institute (Brazil). The Network's principle objectives are epidemiological surveillance of invasive fungal infections through detection of antifungal resistance and identification of emergent, invasive fungal infections; establishment of norms and common protocols for early diagnosis of mycoses; and strengthening coordination, communications, and transference mechanisms among countries. The Network must be gradually implemented and must include staff training, a systematic process for sharing technology, evaluation of diagnostic techniques, identification of fungal species, and standardized tests for antifungal susceptibility.
authors: Servicio de Micología, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Spain. mcuenca-estrella@isciii.es
authors: Manuel
authors: M
authors: Cuenca-Estrella
authors: Juan L
authors: JL
authors: Rodríguez-Tudela
authors: Susana
authors: S
authors: Córdoba
authors: Marcia C
authors: MC
authors: Melhem
authors: María W
authors: MW
authors: Szeszs
authors: Elizabeth
authors: E
authors: Castañeda
authors: Gerardo
authors: G
authors: Martínez
authors: Jean-Marc
authors: JM
authors: Gabastou
mesh_terms: D000935:Antifungal Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002984:Clinical Laboratory Information Systems / Q000458:organization & administration; D025141:Drug Resistance, Fungal; D006801:Humans; D007843:Latin America; D009181:Mycoses / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology*; D011159:Population Surveillance
chemical_list: D000935:Antifungal Agents