Welcome to the Fungal Forum

This website is developed and fully funded by Gilead Sciences Europe Limited

Scientific image of Cryptococcus

Welcome to the Fungal Forum

Disease information and news to help you stay one step ahead of invasive fungal infections (IFIs).

Two doctors reviewing notes on an iPad

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO SUSPECT IFIs?

IFIs are life-threatening conditions caused by yeasts or moulds with high mortality rates that range from 40–100% in patients who are immunocompromised, or have an underlying condition.1-6 Treatment can be challenging as a number of fungi responsible for these infections are resistant to many available antifungals, including azole and echinocandin options.7,8 The timely diagnosis of these serious infections is crucial; however, the signs and symptoms are often non-specific and similar to those of bacterial or viral infections. Furthermore, access to modern diagnostic tools or biomarkers can be limited, delaying the initiation of an appropriate treatment.9,10

Time is of the essence in the fight against IFIs.

Learn why
Microscopic photograph of fungus

HOW IS THE FUNGAL LANDSCAPE CHANGING?

Difficult-to-treat fungal pathogens are emerging worldwide, and have become more frequent than in previous years.7,8 Explore the changing trends and epidemiology across the world to help you manage a variety of IFIs.

Discover IFIs
Patient in bed with heart monitor

WHAT ARE THE SERIOUS MANIFESTATIONS OF IFIs?

IFIs can lead to a spectrum of other life-threatening conditions, such as sepsis or pneumonia.11-19 Learn about the most serious manifestations of IFIs, their epidemiology, prognosis, and risk factors.

Learn more
Photo of clock face

HOW CAN YOU MANAGE IFIs PROMPTLY AND EFFECTIVELY?

Early suspicion of IFIs in your at-risk patients is key to improving treatment success.20-22 When you need to act quickly, know how to spot the signs and symptoms of IFIs so you can expedite treatment.
Get started
Three doctors reviewing notes

ARE DRUG-DRUG INTERACTIONS A CONCERN? CHOOSING THE RIGHT ANTIFUNGAL

Awareness of antifungal drug-drug interactions (DDIs) is important when treating patients on multiple medications, such as those in intensive care units (ICUs) or those with haematological malignancies or HIV/AIDs.23 Learn how to assess and manage DDI risk in your critically ill patients.
Inform your choice
Doctor wearing hair net and surgical mask looking through window blind

HOW HAS THE CHALLENGE OF ANTIFUNGAL RESISTANCE EVOLVED?

Antifungal resistance can limit treatment options, with some species demonstrating resistance to multiple drug classes.24 Learn about the growing threat and the recommendations for tackling resistance in your area.
Take action

EXPERT INSIGHTS FOR ICU SPECIALISTS

Prof Martin-Loeches: expert video

Diagnosing and treating IFIs in the ICU

Are you aware of the possibility of IFIs when treating patients in the ICU to ensure prompt initiation of therapy?

Prof. I Martin-Loeches – Multidisciplinary Intensive Care Research Organization, St James’s University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland

Watch video
Prof Hoenigl: expert video

At-risk patients in the ICU

How has the fungal infection landscape changed in the ICU for at-risk patients?

Assoc Prof. M Hoenigl – Infectious Diseases & Pulmonology, Medical University of Graz, Austria

Watch video
Close-up of COVID-19 viral particle

How has IFI management been impacted by COVID-19?

Highlights from the Gilead-organised promotional symposium at The Trends in Medical Mycology (TIMM) 2021 Congress with expert opinions on identifying and managing IFIs in COVID-19 patients.
Read more

EXPERT INSIGHTS FOR HAEMATOLOGY SPECIALISTS

Prof Maertens: expert video

Managing breakthrough IFIs in haematological patients

What are some of the challenges and how can they be addressed?

Prof. J Maertens – Haematology, University Hospital Leuven, Belgium

Watch video
3D representation of Mucor

How can we optimise treatment for breakthrough fungal infections?

Highlights from the Gilead-organised promotional symposium at the European Hematology Association (EHA) 2022 congress, with expert opinions on the treatment of IFIs in haematological patients.
Read more
Dr Stemler: expert video

DDIs in patients receiving targeted haematology drugs

When treating haematological malignancies, how can we identify and address the challenge of DDIs?

Dr. J Stemler – Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Cologne, Germany

Watch video

References

  • Bongomin F et al. J Fungi (Basel). 2017;3(4):57.
  • Logan C et al. Intensive Care Med. 2020;46(11):2001-2014.
  • Tomiyama T et al. Surg Case Rep. 2021;12;7(1):118.
  • Moorthy A et al. J Maxillofoc Oral Surg. 2021;20(3):418-425.
  • Iyer KR et al. Nat Rev Microbiol. 2021;8:1-13.
  • Lass-Flörl C and Cuenca-Estrella M. J Antimicrob Chemother. 2017;72(Suppl. 1):i5–11.
  • Arendrup MC. Clin Microbial Infect. 2014;20(Suppl. 6):42-44.
  • Nett JE and Andes DR. Infect Dis Clin North Am. 2016;30(1):51-83.
  • Riwes MM and Wingard JR. Expert Rev Hematol. 2012;5(6):661-669.
  • Falci DR. Infect Dis Ther. 2017;6(2):213-223.
  • Xie G et al. Crit Care. 2008;12(1):R5.
  • Bassetti M et al. Intensive Care Med. 2014;40:839-845.
  • Duggan S et al. Virulence. 2015;6(4):316-326.
  • Delaloye J and Calandra T. Virulence. 2014;5(1):161-169.
  • Góralska K et al. Infection. 2018;46:443-459.
  • Okike IO et al. Lancet Infect Dis. 2014;14(4):P301-P307.
  • Frare e Silva R. J Bras Pneumol. 2010;36(1):142-147.
  • Smith JA and Kauffman CA. Respirology. 2012;17:913-926.
  • Fernandez JF et al. Respir Care. 2013;58(5):e60-e63.
  • Pappas PG et al. Nat Rev Dis Primers. 2018;4:18026.
  • Chatelon J et al. Adv Ther. 2019;36(12):3308-3320.
  • Pagano L and Mayor S. Future Sci OA. 2018;4(6):FSO307.
  • Bartelli A et al. Curr Fungal Infect Rep. 2010;4;103-110.
  • Perlin DS et al. Lancet Infect Dis. 2017;17(12):e383-e392.

Date of preparation: November 2022. Job code IHQ-AMB-0813.