Medical mycology: closing the gap in diagnostics and emerging fungal species?

The incidence of invasive fungal disease (IFD) has increased in parallel with the expansion of the population at risk for IFD to include patients with cancer, solid organ transplant (SOT) and haematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) recipients, those receiving immunosuppressive therapy, and patients with AIDS, major surgery, premature birth and advanced age. Additionally, the spectrum of pathogens has evolved. Candida albicans and Aspergillus fumigatus remain the most common yeast and mould pathogens, respectively, but infections caused by other non-albicans species, non-Candida yeasts and nonAspergillus moulds are increasing in number. Early and accurate diagnosis, including species identification, is essential for optimal patient outcomes.