A Genetic Susceptibility to Candidiasis?

In a cohort of hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients, heterozygosity for a DECTIN-1 polymorphism was associated with increased risk for Candida colonization.

Hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) recipients are at risk for opportunistic fungal infections. However, the degree of risk may vary based on host factors. Dectin-1 is a C-type lectin receptor that recognizes β-1,3-glucan in the fungal cell wall and initiates innate immune responses to fungal pathogens. Recently, investigators in the Netherlands observed that homozygosity for a polymorphism (Y238X) in the gene encoding for dectin-1 is associated with recurrent mucocutaneous candidiasis. Now, the same researchers have conducted a retrospective analysis to examine the effect of this polymorphism on the incidence of candidiasis and mold infections in allogeneic HSCT recipients.

Among 141 HSCT recipients for whom a genetic profile was avai…

Reviewing Author

Neil M. Ampel, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesCoccidioidomycosis Study Group (Past President, Secretary, Treasurer)

Neil M. Ampel, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesCoccidioidomycosis Study Group (Past President, Secretary, Treasurer)