Penicilliosis

Insights into the Pathogenicity of Penicillium Marneffei

“…One species, however, is conspicuously different from other members of this genusthat lone species being Penicillium marneffei. P. marneffei has emerged as a highly significant pathogen and holds the distinction of being the only dimorphic member of the genus [5][6][7][8]. Infections due to P. marneffei, often referred to as 'penicilliosis marneffei', have been largely restricted to Southeast Asia.…”

“…Concurrent reports of penicilliosis due to P. marneffei markedly increased as well. To date, more than 6000 documented cases have been observed in northern Thailand alone, almost all in HIVinfected individuals [7,8]. Infection by P. marneffei is now recognized as an AIDS-indicator disease.…”

“…Infections by P. marneffei appear more rural than cosmopolitan and vary seasonally, with cases more common in the rainy season than in dry portions of the year [14], thereby suggesting an environmental source of infection. Yet, other than bamboo rats and their burrows, P. marneffei has never been cultured from nature, including soil, water, vegetation or air [7,8,15,16]. Moreover, bamboo rats seem to be incidental hosts rather than reservoirs of infection.…”

“…The clinical features of P. marneffei infections have been extensively documented [6][7][8]13]. Infection is presumably initiated by the inhalation of conidia (spores) that are subsequently phagocytized by pulmonary histiocytes.…”

“…Treatment of penicilliosis due to P. marneffei is essential. Left untreated, infections are typically fatal [6][7][8]. Treating cases during the 1980s and 1990s produced mixed results in that most isolates of P. marneffei were resistant to the antifungal effects of fluconazole and many were only moderately responsive to amphotericin B [18].…”