From the Publisher:             

     During the past decade we have witnessed a mushrooming of papers in the area of medical mycology; detailing major advances in areas such as genomics, molecular and cellular biology, molecular epidemiology, immune response and vaccine development, and strategies to combat infections in humans. This sheer volume of information makes it extremely difficult for the busy research scientist and/or teacher of medical mycology to keep abreast of all the latest advances. This book, together with its companion volume "Pathogenic Fungi: Structural Biology and Taxonomy", brings together expert international authors who critically review current topics, and through the provision of extensive reference sections positively encourage readers to pursue the subject in greater detail.

     The book is divided into two sections: "Fungal Interactions with the Host" and "Antifungal Antibiotics". The emphasis of the first section is focused on the two-way recognition systems that exist between the host and the fungus. Experts in fungal-host interactions discuss new initiatives for alternatives to drug therapy through the development of vaccines and passive antibody therapy. In the "Antifungal Antibiotics" section, new target development, molecular modelling, and drug resistance, both at the individual organism level, and in a biofilm, are featured.

     Essential reading for everyone with an interest in medical mycology including: mycologists, biotechnologists, molecular biologists, and pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies.

Key Features:

• Detailed Discussions of Cutting Edge Topics
• Expert International Authors
• Fully Up-To-Date
• Broad Coverage
• Comprehensive Reference Section
• Useful Index

Table of Contents:

Section I.  Fungal Interactions With The Host

Chapter 1.    Host Recognition by Fungal Pathogens

Chapter 2.     Virulence Factors That Protect the Fungus From Elimination

Chapter 3.     Virulence Factors That Promote Invasion of Candida albicans

Chapter 4.     Adaptation to Oxidative, Nutrient and pH Stress by Human Pathogenic Fungi

Chapter 5.     Innate Immunity to Fungi:  The Art of Speed and Specificity

Chapter 6.     T- and B-Lymphocytes in Mucosal Candidiasis

Chapter 7.     Immunomodulation and Immunoprotection in Fungal Infections:  Humoral and Cellular Immune Responses

Chapter 8.     Genomic Instability, Recombination and Adaptation in Candida albicans

Section II.  Antifungal Antibiotics

Chapter 9.     Antifungal Drugs, Targets and Target Discovery

Chapter 10.   Molecular Basis of Antifungal Resistance

Chapter 11.   Fungal Biofilms and Drug Resistance

Chapter 12.   Molecular Modelling of Echinocandin-Type Antibiotics Using Molecular Mechanics and Density Functional Theory Calculations

INDEX