Histoplasma capsulatum at the host-pathogen interface

Histoplasma capsulatum is the most common cause of invasive fungal pulmonary disease worldwide. The interaction of H. capsulatum with a host is a complex, dynamic process. Severe disease most commonly Occurs in individuals with compromised immunity, and the increasing utilization of immunomodulators in medicine has revealed significant risks for reactivation disease in patients with latent histoplasmosis. Fortunately, there are well developed molecular tools and excellent animal models for Studying H. capsulatum virulence and numerous recent advances have been made regarding the pathogenesis of this fungus that will improve our capacity to combat disease. (C) 2008 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.