Advances in the understanding of the Cryptococcus neoformans and C. gattii species complexes and cryptococcosis
Carolina Firacative A C , Luciana Trilles B and Wieland Meyer A B
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations
A Molecular Mycology Research Laboratory, CIDM, Sydney Medical School – Westmead Hospital, MBI, The University of Sydney, WIMR, Sydney, Australia
B Laboratório de Micologia, Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas (INI), Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
C Tel: +61 2 8627 3432, Email: sfir4568@uni.sydney.edu.au
Microbiology Australia 38(3) 106-111 https://doi.org/10.1071/MA17043
Published: 11 August 2017
Abstract
The rising incidence of cryptococcosis, a potentially fatal fungal infection affecting both immunocompromised and immunocompetent humans and animals, and the emergence of disease outbreaks, has increased the need for more in-depth studies and constant vigilance of its two etiological agents, the cosmopolitan and well known Cryptococcus neoformans and its sibling species C. gattii. As a result, a global scientific network has established formal links between institutions to gain better insights into Cryptococcus and cryptococcosis, enabling collaborations amongst researchers with different backgrounds, perspectives and skills. Interdisciplinary projects include: (1) the study of the ecology and geographical distribution of the agents of cryptococcosis; (2) the application of new alternative methodologies for the rapid and accurate identification of the two sibling species and major molecular types/possible cryptic species (VNI-VNIV and VGI-VGIV); (3) the use of different animal models of infection to assess cryptococcal pathogenesis and virulence factors; and (4) population genetics studies directed towards the discovery of virulence/tissue tropism associated genetic signatures. These studies enrich the knowledge and understanding of the epidemiology of this mycosis and help to better comprehend fungal virulence, genetics, pathogenesis, antifungal susceptibility, as well as investigating the regional and global spread, to improve treatment options of the disease caused by these important emerging pathogenic yeasts.
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