NEW ASPECTS OF EMERGING FUNGAL PATHOGENS - A MULTIFACETED CHALLENGE

This article describes adventitious morphologic forms for species of F usarium, Paecilomyces, Acremonium, and Scedosporium that can be easily mistaken on histologic, cytologic, and microbiologic examination for Candida species. These forms appear to be correlated with, and may pro vide explanation for, positive blood cultures in disseminated infectio ns with these species. Adventitious histologic forms also are illustra ted for Blastoschizomyces capitatus. Data from culture-proven mycoses for a 15-month period at one medical center are reviewed, and species are listed for which an increase is anticipated. These and other aspec ts of emerging fungal pathogens are related to the need for strengthen ed support of mycology training and for federal funding of a mycoses r eporting program.