Chapter 9

Toll-Like Receptor Recognition of Fungal Pathogens in the Lung

Sanjay H. Chotirmall, Catherine A. Coughlan and Emer P. Reeves

Abstract

The incidence of pulmonary complications involving fungal infections has increased over the last decade and is a common cause of morbidity and mortality. Candida species are one of the yeast most frequently identified in clinical samples, whilst Aspergillus is the most commonly found filamentous fungus. The major risk factor for fungal infection is host immunosuppression includes individuals undergoing solid organ transplant and those with HIV infection. This chapter aims to provide an overview of the epidemiology and clinical features of fungal lung infection, the expression, function and activation of relevant TLRs within the airways and a discussion of currently used and new antifungal agents and strategies.

Total Pages: 133-150 (18)

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