Fungal Virulence

In the last decades, epidemiological studies have shown the increase in the frequency of fungal infections worldwide, which are currently considered important public health problems. Three main factors must be taken into account for the increase in cases of fungal infections, namely: 1 - characteristics related to the patient's immune system; 2 - environmental factors where the patient is and; 3 - factors related to the virulence of the fungal pathogen. In this topic, we will cover factors of fungal virulence.

Virulence factors are survival strategies used by the fungus to survive that contribute to the establishment of infection/disease. Fungi are capable of producing several virulence factors that include capsule, biofilm formation, secretion of hydrolytic enzymes, among others. Understanding the mechanisms involved in the regulation of fungal virulence factors may be key to the development of antifungal strategies. In this way, we intend to compile several publications that may contribute to the understanding of fungal virulence.

In this topic, we encourage researchers around the world to publish original experimental and systematic review articles on recent advances related to fungal virulence.

Keywords: virulence factors; fungal pathogenicity; fungal infection; biofilms; antifungal resistance.

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.