Pathogenic Mechanisms and Clinical Challenges of Invasive Candidiasis and Disseminated Histoplasmosis

Fungal infections have become major health issues, especially for immunocompromised patients and those undergoing extended physiological stress. Invasive candidiasis and widespread histoplasmosis are serious fungal infections that can lead to high death rates if not treated. Candida species, like C. auris, C. albicans, and C. glabrata, can move from the gut or skin into the blood, leading to serious conditions like candidemia, sepsis, and failure of multiple organs. Histoplasma capsulatum, a dimorphic fungal infection, induces histoplasmosis via spore inhalation, primarily impacting the lungs before spreading to the liver, spleen, and other organs. Both viruses exploit host immunological deficiencies, frequently remaining asymptomatic in initial stages but advancing swiftly under immunosuppressive circumstances. This review looks at the causes, ways fungi avoid the immune system, and the symptoms they cause, while also pointing out challenges in diagnosis and new treatment options. Understanding how the host and pathogens interact is crucial for creating specific antifungal treatments and improving patient results.