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Recent Advances in Systemic and Emerging Mycoses
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Recent Advances in Systemic and Emerging Mycoses

A special issue of Journal of Fungi (ISSN 2309-608X). This special issue belongs to the section "Fungal Pathogenesis and Disease Control".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 November 2026 | Viewed by 10181

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Carlos Pelleschi Taborda

E-Mail Website1 Website2
Guest Editor
Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Department of Microbiology, University of Sao Paulo, ICB II-USP, São Paulo, Brazil
Interests: pathogenic dimorphic fungi; fungal virulence; immune response; vaccines and nanovaccines; fungal diagnostics; antifungal activity; mycoses; fungal resistance; endemic and emerging systemic infections; alternative in vivo methods for infection
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Gabriel Davi Marena

E-Mail Website1 Website2
Guest Editor
Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Department of Microbiology, University of Sao Paulo, ICB II-USP, São Paulo, Brazil
Interests: fungal infections; fungal virulence; nanotherapy; nanovaccines; antifungal activity; mycoses; fungal resistance; endemic and emerging systemic infections; alternative in vivo methods for infection

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Fungal diseases are becoming increasingly common worldwide, especially in developing countries. Endemic and emerging systemic infections have increased dramatically due to the pandemic caused by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome virus (SARS-CoV-2). This increase is a cause for concern among scientists, since the therapeutic arsenal against fungal infections is limited and the number of resistant and multidrug-resistant fungal species is constantly growing. In view of this, much research has developed new treatment options as well as new and promising diagnostic methodologies in order to accelerate the detection and combatting of pathogens. Therefore, this Special Issue aims to bring together new advances in systemic and emerging mycoses, bringing together studies involved in the evaluation of virulence, resistance, new therapies, and diagnosis against fungal pathogens. Studies involving in vitro, in vivo, and alternative in vivo models are highly recommended.

Prof. Dr. Carlos Pelleschi Taborda
Dr. Gabriel Davi Marena
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Journal of Fungi is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • vaccines and nanovaccines
  • antifungal therapy
  • diagnosis
  • fungal resistance
  • endemic and emerging systemic infections
  • immune response
  • alternative in vivo infection models

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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12 pages, 607 KB  
Article
Virulence of Candida Isolates in Patients with Tuberculosis and Oral/Oesophageal Candidiasis: Co-Infection Evaluation
by Rayana Larissa Pinheiro Soares Ferreira, Alessandra Teixeira Macedo, Conceição de Maria Pedrozo e Silva de Azevedo, Sirlei Garcia Marques, Marliete Carvalho Costa, João Carlos Maia Dornelas de Oliveira, Paulo Henrique Fonseca do Carmo, Yankee Costa Magalhães Diniz, Heylane Ferreira Cutrim, Cristina Andrade Monteiro, Maria Rosa Quaresma Bomfim, Daniel Assis Santos, Rodrigo Assuncao Holanda and Julliana Ribeiro Alves Santos
J. Fungi 2025, 11(9), 665; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof11090665 - 11 Sep 2025
Viewed by 1343
Abstract
Tuberculosis (TB) is an infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC), which can be exacerbated by fungal infections. This study evaluated the clinical characteristics and virulence of Candida spp. in patients with tuberculosis. Antifungal sensitivity, phospholipase and proteinase production, biofilm formation, phagocytic index, [...] Read more.
Tuberculosis (TB) is an infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC), which can be exacerbated by fungal infections. This study evaluated the clinical characteristics and virulence of Candida spp. in patients with tuberculosis. Antifungal sensitivity, phospholipase and proteinase production, biofilm formation, phagocytic index, and reactive oxygen (ROS) and nitrogen (RNS) species were assessed. Candida spp. were isolated from 14 patients, 28.5% women and 71.4% men, mainly from sputum and tracheal secretions. Five (35.7%) patients were co-infected with Mycobacterium, Candida, and HIV. Candida albicans (78.6%) and Candida tropicalis (21.4%) were identified in all 14 patients. All isolates showed sensitivity to amphotericin B and dose-dependent responses to fluconazole (16 μg/mL). Phospholipase activity was detected in 35.7% of the isolates, whereas all isolates showed proteinase activity (100%). A significant difference in phospholipase activity, phagocytosis, and production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitrogen species (RNS) was observed when Candida isolates from patients with TB, living with or without HIV, were compared to Candida isolates from healthy individuals. All isolates were biofilm producers. This study highlights the relevance of mycoses diagnosis in patients with TB, since Candida spp. may be more virulent and contribute to the deterioration of the clinical condition. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Systemic and Emerging Mycoses)
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17 pages, 1783 KB  
Article
Acidic pH Modulates Cell Wall and Melanization in Paracoccidioides brasiliensis, Affecting Macrophage Interaction
by Rafael de Souza Silva, Wilson Dias Segura, Rogéria Cristina Zauli, Reinaldo Souza Oliveira, Vitor Vidal, Eduardo Correa Louvandini, Patricia Xander, Suzan Pantaroto Vasconcellos and Wagner Luiz Batista
J. Fungi 2025, 11(7), 504; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof11070504 - 4 Jul 2025
Viewed by 1296
Abstract
Paracoccidioides brasiliensis is a thermally dimorphic fungal pathogen and the main etiological agent of paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM), a neglected systemic mycosis endemic in Latin America. The virulence of P. brasiliensis is closely associated with its capacity to survive under hostile host conditions, including acidic [...] Read more.
Paracoccidioides brasiliensis is a thermally dimorphic fungal pathogen and the main etiological agent of paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM), a neglected systemic mycosis endemic in Latin America. The virulence of P. brasiliensis is closely associated with its capacity to survive under hostile host conditions, including acidic environments. In this study, we demonstrate that acidic pH induces melanization in P. brasiliensis, modulates its cell wall composition, and alters the interaction with macrophages. Cultivation at acidic pH resulted in reduced fungal growth without compromising viability and triggered increased production of melanin-like pigments, as confirmed by enhanced laccase activity and upregulation of genes in the DHN-melanin biosynthetic pathway. Additionally, growth under acidic pH induced significant remodeling of the fungal cell wall, leading to increased chitin on the cell wall surface and reduced mannan content, while β-glucan levels remained unchanged. These modifications correlated with decreased viability to Congo Red, suggesting altered cell wall stability. Importantly, P. brasiliensis grown under acidic conditions exhibited reduced phagocytosis by RAW 264.7 macrophages, along with changes in nitric oxide and cytokine production, indicating potential mechanisms of immune evasion. Collectively, our findings suggest that environmental acidification promotes fungal adaptations that enhance survival and modulate host–pathogen interactions, contributing to P. brasiliensis virulence. Understanding how acidic pH regulates these processes provides new insights into the pathobiology of PCM and may contribute to understanding the mechanisms of fungal immune evasion. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Systemic and Emerging Mycoses)
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11 pages, 909 KB  
Article
Real-World Experience with Isavuconazole for Invasive Aspergillosis in Hematologic Patients with and Without COVID-19 in Brazil
by Larissa Simão Gandolpho, Vinicius Ponzio, Marjorie Vieira Batista, Ivan Leonardo Avelino França e Silva, Jessica Fernandes Ramos, Marcio Nucci and Arnaldo Lopes Colombo
J. Fungi 2025, 11(6), 456; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof11060456 - 16 Jun 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2821
Abstract
(1) Background: Invasive aspergillosis is a life-threatening fungal infection, particularly in patients with hematologic malignancies. Isavuconazole, a broad-spectrum triazole, has emerged as a key treatment option, but real-world data in high-risk populations from middle-income countries remain limited. (2) Methods: We conducted a multicenter, [...] Read more.
(1) Background: Invasive aspergillosis is a life-threatening fungal infection, particularly in patients with hematologic malignancies. Isavuconazole, a broad-spectrum triazole, has emerged as a key treatment option, but real-world data in high-risk populations from middle-income countries remain limited. (2) Methods: We conducted a multicenter, retrospective study to evaluate the clinical response rate and tolerability of isavuconazole in patients with hematologic malignancies and probable or proven invasive aspergillosis across four medical centers in Brazil. (3) Results: We enrolled 50 patients aged 18 to 82 years (64% male) with proven or probable invasive aspergillosis, diagnosed in the context of complex hematologic conditions. Among them, 60% had active or refractory malignancies, and 22% had a prior COVID-19 infection. Isavuconazole was used as a first-line therapy in 64% of cases. No patients discontinued treatment due to toxicity. The 6-week overall survival was 60%. Prior COVID-19 infection was associated with a lower survival rate (44% vs. 69% in patients without COVID-19, p = 0.04). (4) Conclusions: This study provides real-world evidence supporting the efficacy and tolerability of isavuconazole in a high-risk population. The findings reinforce its role as a key antifungal therapy, particularly in patients with complex underlying conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Systemic and Emerging Mycoses)
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17 pages, 9451 KB  
Article
Resistance to Azoles in Candida parapsilosis Isolates from Spain Is Associated with an Impairment in Filamentation and Biofilm Formation
by Alba Torres-Cano, Cristina de Armentia, Alejandra Roldán, Elena López-Peralta, Juliana Manosalva, Paloma Merino-Amador, Fernando González-Romo, Mireia Puig-Asensio, Carmen Ardanuy, María Teresa Martín-Gómez, Daniel Romero-Herrero, Ana Pérez-Ayala, Marta López-Lomba, María Teresa Durán-Valle, Isabel Sánchez-Romero, María Muñoz-Algarra, María Pía Roiz-Mesones, Isabel Lara-Plaza, Maite Ruíz Pérez de Pipaón, Gregoria Megías-Lobón, María Ángeles Mantecón-Vallejo, Laura Alcázar-Fuoli, Diego Megías and Oscar Zaragozaadd Show full author list remove Hide full author list
J. Fungi 2025, 11(4), 299; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof11040299 - 9 Apr 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2129
Abstract
In recent years, there has been an increase in the incidence of fluconazole-non-susceptible (FNS) Candida parapsilosis. The reasons why these strains are able to colonize hospitals remain unknown. It is also unclear whether these strains exhibit resistance to the disinfectants used in [...] Read more.
In recent years, there has been an increase in the incidence of fluconazole-non-susceptible (FNS) Candida parapsilosis. The reasons why these strains are able to colonize hospitals remain unknown. It is also unclear whether these strains exhibit resistance to the disinfectants used in hospitals, facilitating their spread. For these reasons, in this work, we aimed to investigate whether fluconazole resistance was associated with virulence traits and the resistance of these strains to common hospital disinfectants. The general conclusion of the study was that more than 95% of the FNS strains, regardless of the resistance mutation they carried, had filamentation problems, whereas around 75% of the susceptible strains formed pseudohyphae and were capable of filamentation. This 95% of the FNS strains did not form pseudohyphae, did not invade agar, and did not form biofilms, while the susceptible strains exhibited the opposite behaviour. Through microfluidics experiments, we observed that both the susceptible and FNS strains were capable of adhering to a plastic surface under dynamic conditions, but the FNS strains formed unstable aggregates that did not remain attached to the surface, confirming the filamentation defect of these strains. In the second part of the study, we observed that FNS strains are susceptible to clinical disinfectants, although they presented a slight resistance to some of them, such as chlorhexidine, compared to susceptible isolates. In this work, we address important aspects to understand the dissemination of FNS strains in clinical outbreaks. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Systemic and Emerging Mycoses)
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Review

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38 pages, 3055 KB  
Review
The Four Critical Priority Fungi According to the World Health Organization and the Hope for New Therapies: A Focus on Cell Wall Antifungal Targets
by Gabriel Davi Marena, Gabriela Corrêa Carvalho, Martha Helena Chaves Magalhães, Julia Marcondes Figueiredo, Danilo Henrique Ramos, Joshua D. Nosanchuk and Carlos Pelleschi Taborda
J. Fungi 2026, 12(3), 162; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof12030162 - 25 Feb 2026
Viewed by 1760
Abstract
In 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) released a list of four fungi identified as the most medically important global pathogens, resulting in Cryptococcus neoformans, Candidozyma auris (formerly Candida auris), Aspergillus fumigatus and Candida albicans being classified as the critical priority [...] Read more.
In 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) released a list of four fungi identified as the most medically important global pathogens, resulting in Cryptococcus neoformans, Candidozyma auris (formerly Candida auris), Aspergillus fumigatus and Candida albicans being classified as the critical priority fungi. The purpose of this list is to encourage the prioritization of fungal research and public policies to strengthen its control and combat fungal diseases. Among the criteria used in the analysis by the WHO to determine these critical threat pathogens were numbers of deaths; annual incidence; current global distribution; trends in the last 10 years; hospitalization; complications and sequelae; preventability; access to diagnostic tests; evidence-based treatments; and antifungal resistance. Difficulties in treatment, including due to antifungal resistance, are a major factor in the morbidity and mortality of these fungi. The fungal cell wall plays a fundamental role in maintaining cellular architecture and contributing to fungal survival. Thus, new approaches targeting the cell wall have been and are being developed. This review article aims to bring together studies from the last ten years focusing on the development of new treatment alternatives targeting the cell walls of the four critical priority fungi and discussing their potential for combating these deadly fungi of worldwide clinical importance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Systemic and Emerging Mycoses)
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