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All Diseases > Dimorphic fungi
Dimorphic fungi
Disease Category: Fungal Diseases
Dimorphic fungi, which are predominantly endemic mycoses that have a distinct geographic distribution, include, but are not limited to, pathogens from the genera Histoplasma, Blastomyces, and Coccidioides. These pathogens can result in self-limiting illnesses in otherwise healthy individuals but cause severe disease in immunocompromised patients. Although data are limited, prior small case series of immunocompromised pediatric cancer patients with histoplasmosis suggest that the diagnosis is often delayed, the clinical presentation is frequently disseminated disease, and the infection can result in delays in definitive therapy for the underlying cancer. The overall paucity of data for outcomes of endemic mycoses, in particular for pediatric immunocompromised patients, means there is lack of clarity on optimal therapeutic approaches and therapy durations.
Research groups studying this disease
Fungal Diseases
Pediatric Fungal Network STudy of Rare Invasive Fungal DisEases in Immunocompromised Pediatric Patients (PFN-STRIDE)
Recruiting
9601: Pediatric Fungal Network's (PFN) STudy of Rare Invasive Fungal DisEases inImmunocompromised Pediatric Patients (STRIDE) Project 1
Invasive fungal diseases (IFD) are infections caused by opportunistic fungi that are ubiquitous in the environment and often prey selectively on vulnerable populations, including patients who are immunocompromised. Although rare, IFDs are associated with significant morbidity and short-term case fatality rates of more than 30%. Current diagnostic approaches are limited. In immunocompromised children, IFDs are rarer and even more complicated to diagnose and manage than those in adults. There is a dearth of research aimed at longer term follow-up of IFD, advancing diagnostic approaches and management protocols for pediatric IFDs, and an absence of data on patient and caregiver perspectives of the impact of these infections.
The Rare Diseases Clinical Research Consortium (RDCRC) outlined in this proposal, the Pediatric Fungal Network STudy of Rare Invasive Fungal DisEases in Immunocompromised Pediatric Patients (PFN-STRIDE), will leverage an existing consortium (Pediatric Fungal Network) that is dedicated to studying IFDs in pediatric patients.
MYCology Advocacy, Research, & Education (MYCARE)
Mycology Advocacy, Research & Education (MYCARE) Foundation is dedicated to improving outcomes for patients with invasive fungal diseases. MyCARE’s mission is to provide a voice to mycology patients in order to increase awareness, educate and support patients and caregivers, share resources, and ultimately improve outcomes in mycology. They support patients and caregivers impacted by serious, chronic, or invasive fungal infections through advocacy, research, and education.