title: Pathogenesis of invasive fungal infections.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Invasive fungal infection (IFI) is increasingly being recognized as a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in immunosuppressed patients. This review focuses on the latest literature reports concerning the pathogenesis of IFI in this population.
  
  
  RESULTS
  New virulence factors of Candida and Aspergillus have recently been identified. The past few months have brought significant advances in our understanding of how the immune system acts against fungal infection, especially with regard to the role of mucosa in the innate immune system, the arsenal of innate immune recognition receptors and the pathways connecting innate and adaptive immunity.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Knowledge of fungal pathogenesis and host immune response can help to optimize the management of fungal infections. Greater understanding of these processes may aid physicians in developing better prophylactic measures and antifungal or immunomodulatory therapies.
authors: Infectious Disease Service, Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge, Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica de Bellvitge, University of Barcelona, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain. carolgv75@hotmail.com
authors: Carolina
authors: C
authors: Garcia-Vidal
authors: Diego
authors: D
authors: Viasus
authors: Jordi
authors: J
authors: Carratalà
mesh_terms: D001228:Aspergillosis / Q000276:immunology*; D001230:Aspergillus / Q000472:pathogenicity*; D002175:Candida / Q000472:pathogenicity*; D002177:Candidiasis / Q000276:immunology*; D054884:Host-Pathogen Interactions / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007113:Immunity, Innate / Q000276:immunology; D016867:Immunocompromised Host; D037521:Virulence Factors / Q000276:immunology
chemical_list: D037521:Virulence Factors