US scientists map genome of deadly fungus related to HIV

January 14, 2005

www.chinaview.cn 2005-01-14 10:37:55

@ @LOS ANGELES, Jan. 13 (Xinhuanet)-- Scientists at Saint Louis

University School of Medicine have decoded the genomes of two

strains of a fungus that can lead to brain swelling and death in

those with compromised immune systems, and the results were

published Thursday in the online version of the journal Science.

" This research will be an enormous factor in developing

treatments for C. neoformans infection, which is a major problem for

those with compromised immune systems, " the head of research group

Lodge said.

" We've discovered several unique attributes that point to new

ways to attack the fungus and cure infection, " he added.

The fungus, which causes severe inflammation of the brain, is

called Cryptococcus neoformans (C. neoformans). It is estimated that

about 15 percent of people with HIV will suffer at least one life-

threatening infection and the figure may reach 40 percent in Africa.

Those taking chemotherapy drugs, steroid treatments or drugs to

prevent rejection of a transplanted organ also are susceptible to

infection.

For instance, the C. neoformans develops a unique polysaccharide

capsule that envelops the fungus and aids in biosynthesis. Because

the study identified about 30 new genes thatlikely are involved in

this process, scientists now could find ways to interfere with the

process and stop infection.

Researchers also identified differences between a highly

virulent strain of C. neoformans and one that does not cause severe

infection. These differences may hold the key to understanding why

this particular fungus is so virulent and may help to develop

effective treatments. Enditem

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