The spectrum of fungal disease has evolved exponentially over the past four decades, and so has the emergence of fungal diseases as an increasingly important problem in global healthcare systems. If a medical mycologist who had retired in the 1970s returned to the discipline today, they would inevitably find it irrevocably changed—almost unrecognisable.
International travel, climate change, and antimicrobial drug resistance have all contributed to the endemic range of fungal pathogens and their toll on our health. However, despite a general agreement that the mycoses are becoming more important, our understanding of the true magnitude of the burden posed by these diseases and their socioeconomic impact remains largely incomplete.
In the video series below, Professor Neil A.R. Gow gives an overview of medical mycology as a specialty, and explains why a new generation of mycologists will face various important challenges in order to keep the spread of fungal disease at bay in the 21st century.
What is medical mycology?
What are the different types of fungi that cause disease in humans?
Fungal vaccines and disease prevention
The impact of anti-fungal drug resistance
The future of medical mycology
Featured Image credit: “Mold Growth Fungus Microorganism Mildew” by TheDigitalArtist. CC0 via Pixabay.
Wow I didn’t know there were over 5million fungi. I think we’ve been thinking about the 5 fungi for too long. Ive found a few of the GOOD fungi to use in this book http://bit.ly/2HXu3Db