New text focuses on formidable opportunistic fungus

December 12, 2008

Modern medical technologies are repairing the human body in ways never imagined only a few years ago, but they are leaving an increasing population of patients who are newly susceptible to opportunistic pathogens. Invasive and chronic fungal infections have become a formidable clinical opponent, and foremost among them is Aspergillus fumigatus, the focus of a new text from ASM Press.

"This volume has been carefully engineered to offer the latest insights into the fundamental biology and pathogenesis of this organism and how it establishes disease, as well as the newest strategies for characterizing, diagnosing, and treating its spectrum of clinical infection. Other great textbooks have been published which address general fungal physiology, overall medical mycology, the biology of the aspergilli specifically, or antifungal therapy, yet this is the first volume which specifically merges the newest scientific knowledge with the latest clinical experience and data to yield a combined synopsis of the organism and its diseases," says Jean-Paul Latgé of the Institut Pasteur who co-edited the text with William J. Steinbach of Duke University.

Aspergillus fumigatus and Aspergillosis assembles chapters from a large and international contingent of experts in the field to explore every major aspect of A. fumigatus and how it kills so many patients. This volume offers the latest insights into the fundamental biology and pathogenesis of A. fumigatus and how it establishes disease, as well as the newest strategies for characterizing, diagnosing, and treating its spectrum of clinical infection.

This valuable book is an instrumental resource for both scientists and clinicians tackling the current problems with Aspergillosis. It presents chapters on the species itself, including morphology and unique and specific genes, the importance of polarized growth, as well as the organism's response to environmental stress by moving from a saprophyte to a pathogen. The interface with the host immune system—paramount to disease phenotype—is detailed, as are the many faces of disease created by A. fumigatus. Newer diagnostic and treatment strategies are covered, including the optimal timing of antifungal therapy and the strategic choice of which agent to use.

"It is our intent that Aspergillus fumigatus and Aspergillosis will encompass the current state of knowledge to serve as a resource guide for the next decade of study on this organism and the many diseases it causes. We hope that this volume will also serve as a catalyst for future young investigators to begin their own explorations in this field, to challenge the unproven dogmas and define the mechanisms of disease," says Latgé.

Source: American Society for Microbiology