Gary B. Huffnagle – författare

Fungal immunology, an expanding field of research, studies the interaction between fungi and the immune system. Modulated immunity as well as evasive mechanisms played by fungi all contribute to the chronicity and reoccurrence of fungal infections. Hypersensitivity to various fungal elements plays a major role in the pathogenesis of many diseases.This book will serve as a comprehensive review of all known immune mechanisms for common medically important fungal pathogens. Its novelty lies in the organization: Rather than chapters devoted to specific fungi, chapters are organized by organ system. All other texts in the field, which are now quite old, are arranged according to specific fungi. Organization by body system rather than fungi is important because one particular fungus can have a different effect on defense mechanisms in different parts of the body.

The idea that the microbial communities within the GI tract have a profound influence on general human health actually originated with Russian scientist Elie Metchnikov at the turn ofthe last century. Also known as the "fatherofimmunol- ogy", Metchnikovbelievedthat putrefactivebacteriain the gut were responsible for enhancing the aging process. He theorized that ingestion ofhealthy bacteria found in fermented foods could counteract toxic bacteria and was the key to good health. His theories concerning good bacteria and health can be found in his treatise "The ProlongationofLife: Optimistic Studies".Thesewritings promptedJapanesescientist Minoru Shirotatobegin investigationofhow fermentative bacteriaimprove health. He succeededin isolating astrainofLactobacillusthat could survive passage through the intestine, while promoting a healthy balance ofmicrobes. The "Shirota strain" is still used today in the fermented beverage Yakult.It is clear from a commercial standpoint that these ideas have inspired the development of a probiotic industry, which has expanded greatly in the U.S. over the past 5-10 years.

Fungal immunology, an expanding field of research, studies the interaction between fungi and the immune system. Modulated immunity as well as evasive mechanisms played by fungi all contribute to the chronicity and reoccurrence of fungal infections. Hypersensitivity to various fungal elements plays a major role in the pathogenesis of many diseases.This book will serve as a comprehensive review of all known immune mechanisms for common medically important fungal pathogens. Its novelty lies in the organization: Rather than chapters devoted to specific fungi, chapters are organized by organ system. All other texts in the field, which are now quite old, are arranged according to specific fungi. Organization by body system rather than fungi is important because one particular fungus can have a different effect on defense mechanisms in different parts of the body.