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Abstract

Fungal infections are becoming more frequent because of expansion of at risk populations such as patients receiving transplants and longer life of immunosuppressed patients. Fungi previously considered non pathogenic are now common infections of immunosuppressed patients. This has brought diagnostic dilemmas including defining infection versus colonization. In addition, the range of endemic fungal infections has expanded because of climate change, extension of human habitats, ease of travel and shifting populations. Nowadays, pathologists and microbiology laboratories are asked to make a diagnosis in smaller pieces of tissue. Additional diagnostic challenges include the presence of resistance to different drugs by different fungi. Histopathology continues to be a rapid and cost effective means of providing a presumptive diagnosis of fungal infections though culture of fungi is still the gold standard. Pathologists need to be aware of the limitations and pitfalls of tissue diagnosis and the importance of suggesting laboratory tests that can aid in the diagnosis. The interaction between clinicians, mycology laboratories and pathologists will be highlighted. After the workshop, participants will recognize the best manner of communicating to clinicians, the fugal elements identified in tissue and recommend alternative tests for organism specific diagnosis.

Biography

Email: jguarne@emory.edu