Emergomyces: a New Genus of Dimorphic Fungal Pathogens Causing Disseminated Disease among Immunocompromised Persons Globally

Purpose of Review: The emergence of a group of previously unknown or unrecognized dimorphic fungal species causing systemic human disease resulted in taxonomic shifts and the creation of a new genus, Emergomyces, within Onygenales. We review the morphology, taxonomy, physiology, and ecology of Emergomyces spp., and the epidemiology, clinicopathology, diagnosis, and management of disease. Recent Findings: Emergomyces species have been reported as causes of human disease in Europe, Asia, Africa, and North America. Es. pasteurianus is most cosmopolitan, and Es. africanus, in southern Africa, causes the largest reported disease burden; in fact, emergomycosis is the most common endemic mycosis diagnosed in South Africa. The classic clinical picture is of disseminated disease, often with cutaneous involvement, in immunocompromised individuals. Summary: Members of the genus Emergomyces are uncommon but important agents of systemic disease in immunocompromised hosts worldwide. Knowledge gaps include the biology of the fungus, and the pathophysiology and management of disease.

Duke Scholars

Author Ilan Schwartz Medicine, Infectious Diseases