Host genetics of invasive Aspergillus and Candida infections

Semin Immunopathol. 2015 Mar;37(2):173-86. doi: 10.1007/s00281-014-0468-y. Epub 2014 Nov 18.

Abstract

Invasive candidiasis and aspergillosis are major complications in surgical and onco-hematological patients, and still associated with an important morbidity and mortality. A large number of studies highlighted the potential role of host genetic polymorphisms that may influence susceptibility to fungal pathogens, but many were limited by insufficient statistical power, problematic design, and/or lack of replication. However, some relevant polymorphisms are now emerging from well-conducted studies whose associations have been replicated and/or are supported by strong biological evidence. Such polymorphisms together with other biomarkers may play a role in the prediction, diagnosis, and management of severe fungal infections in high-risk patients in the coming years.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Aspergillosis / genetics*
  • Aspergillosis / immunology*
  • Aspergillosis / metabolism
  • Aspergillus / immunology*
  • Candida / immunology*
  • Candidiasis, Invasive / genetics*
  • Candidiasis, Invasive / immunology*
  • Candidiasis, Invasive / metabolism
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease
  • Host-Pathogen Interactions / genetics*
  • Host-Pathogen Interactions / immunology*
  • Humans
  • Immunity, Innate
  • Immunologic Deficiency Syndromes / complications
  • Immunologic Deficiency Syndromes / genetics
  • Immunologic Deficiency Syndromes / immunology
  • Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide
  • Risk Factors