Fungal Infections in Immunocompromised Hosts

Dear Colleagues,

First convened in 1980, the International Immunocompromised Host Society (ICHS) symposium is the premier, international, multi-disciplinary forum for scientific and clinical exchange to improve understanding and management of infections in the immunocompromised host. Since its inception, mycology has been a key theme throughout the bi-annual meetings. The recent meeting in June 2018, in Athens, Greece, similarly, had a cutting edge mycology program delivered by leading international experts addressing current and future innovations in mycology.

Worldwide deaths from Candida, Aspergillus, Pneumocystis and Cryptococcus infections are estimated to exceed 1.4 million annually with individual patient mortality rates in excess of 30%. Invasive fungal diseases (IFDs) are occurring in expanding populations at risk, such as those with liver disease and receiving novel treatments, such as biologics and small molecule protein kinase inhibitors, providing insight into fungal pathogenesis. Outbreaks occurring in healthcare or after natural disasters are increasingly identified requiring specialized investigation. The emerging global problem of antifungal resistance has prompted an increasing focus on antifungal drug discovery, as well as optimizing PK/PD of antifungals, and on fungal biofilms, which may select resistance. Approaches such as harnessing the mycobiome and immunotherapy may offer new options for managing IFD.

The development and integration of improved diagnostic tests for IFD including MALDI-TOF, nucleic acid and biomarker detection and immunogenetic assays offers promise for implementing more precise individual risk profiles and early intervention to prevent or treat IFD. At a population level these tests offer important antifungal stewardship tools to support the judicious use of antifungals. In this unique supplement we have compiled several state of the art topics that are based on lectures delivered by eminent mycology experts during the 37^th ICHS meeting. We hope that the esteemed audience of Journal of Fungi will enjoy and appreciate the ever evolving and complex field of fungal infections in vulnerable hosts.

Sincerely,
Prof. Dimitrios P. Kontoyiannis
Prof. Monica Slavin
Guest Editors

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