Biology and pathogenesis of Fonsecaea pedrosoi, the major etiologic agent of chromoblastomycosis

FEMS Microbiol Rev. 2007 Sep;31(5):570-91. doi: 10.1111/j.1574-6976.2007.00077.x. Epub 2007 Jul 23.

Abstract

Fonsecaea pedrosoi is the principal etiologic agent of chromoblastomycosis, a fungal disease whose pathogenic events are poorly understood. Treatment of the disease presents poor effectiveness and serious side effects. The disease is epidemiologically important in several regions, which has stimulated studies focused on the biology and pathogenic potential of its major causative agent. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on the biological aspects of F. pedrosoi, including cell differentiation and pathogenic mechanisms during the interaction of fungi with different hosts' elements.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Ascomycota / chemistry
  • Ascomycota / cytology
  • Ascomycota / pathogenicity*
  • Chromoblastomycosis / drug therapy
  • Chromoblastomycosis / epidemiology
  • Chromoblastomycosis / microbiology*
  • Humans