Current status on biology and pathogenesis of Penicillium marneffei

Abstract

     Penicillium marneffei is a dimorphic fungus that causes an opportunistic infection in AIDS patients. It is endemic to Southeast Asia, Southern of China and Northeastern of India. Recently, molecular genetic studies lead to better understanding the risk of this fungal infection. Several factors contribute to the virulence of this fungus including adhesion to the macrophage by glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, the ability to switch from conidia to yeast cells, the protection from oxidative stress by melanin and stress-response proteins. Although recent studies have made progression in control of the infection, the pathogenesis of P. marneffei has yet to be understood.