Pseudallescheria/Scedosporium complex species: From saprobic to pathogenic fungus

Abstract

Scedosporiosis is an emerging fungal infection caused by Pseudallescheria/Scedosporium complex species (PSC). This pathogen has been drawn significant interest in recent years due to its worldwide prevalence, the seriousness of its infection, associated with high mortality in both immunocompromised and immunocompetent hosts and its cryptic ecology, distribution and epidemiology across the globe. These species complexes can be found in environments impacted by human. The purpose of this review is to describe the characteristics, mode of transmission, ecology, prevalence, global epidemiology of this fungal group in order to increase the awareness of among clinicians and microbiologists, especially in regions with high endemic, as well as to promote further research on all of its aspects.

Keywords: Epidemiology; Pseudallescheria/Scedosporium complex species; Scedosporiosis.