FUNGAL BIOTERRORISM THREAT GAINING PUBLIC INTEREST, YET NOT BIGGEST CONCERN OF FUNGAL SPECIALISTS, SURVEY FINDS

-- Leading Fungal Infection Experts To Discuss Disease Challenges At Upcoming Mycology Medical Conference --

 

Alpharetta, Georgia, April 7, 2003 – The threat of fungal agents being misused for bioterrorism will gain the most public attention over the next year, compared with other fungal disease issues, according to one-quarter of fungal (medical mycology) specialists surveyed in an exclusive report.  Surprisingly, however, none of those surveyed consider such a bioterrorist threat to be the most significant challenge facing the area of fungal disease.

The survey, conducted by leading medical conference organizer Imedex®, Inc., surveyed 55 clinicians, biochemists, immunologists and other leading professionals in medical mycology -- the study of fungi and fungal diseases in humans and animals.  Medical mycology experts said the most significant challenge is the continuing increase in morbidity and mortality from fungal infections (43%).

“These survey results tell us that while the public may have fears about biological warfare via fungal pathogens, leading experts believe the greater and more realistic threat comes from a natural progression of fungal disease transmission,” said Michael G. Rinaldi, Ph.D. (Dr. Rinaldi is Co-Chairman of the Focus on Fungal Infection Meeting Series at which this survey was conducted, as well as the President of the impending Congress of the International Society for Human and Animal Mycology [ISHAM]).

Imedex, which for 20 years has provided accredited medical education services globally, will release the full study results at the upcoming conference of ISHAM – the leading medical mycology forum which attracts an estimated 1,000 international leaders in the study of fungi and their role in infectious diseases.   As noted, the Imedex survey of medical mycology experts was conducted during Imedex’s recent conference, Focus on Fungal Infections - 13, in Maui, Hawaii in March.

The potential use of fungal agents in biological warfare and the presence of mycotoxin-producing fungi in foods, plants, crops and animal feed is an intensifying issue of international debate and research.  In addition to health concerns, it is estimated that the economic costs resulting from mycotoxins exceed 1.4 billion dollars in the United States alone. 

Recent types of fungal disease that generated national awareness include “toxic mould” and “sick buildings,” in which certain growth and environmental conditions produce various mycotoxins that are hazardous to human health.

“Fungal disease has recently taken on increasing significance in global health circles and the upcoming ISHAM Congress will serve as a unique forum for leading experts to discuss the latest research and developments,” said Dr. Rinaldi.  “People generally do not realize the pervasiveness of different forms of fungal infections and this gathering of the foremost researchers will cover medical topics that impact millions of people’s lives.”

Common forms of fungal disease include ringworm of the scalp or skin, athlete's foot, and fungal infection of the nails.  More serious or invasive forms of fungal disease can affect virtually any organ in the body, including the heart, lungs, liver, spleen, eyes and can cause neurological damage.

Additional Survey Highlights:

The method of transmission that currently poses the single greatest public heath threat

Air borne (84%)
Human-to-human transmission (8%)
Animal-to-human (1%)
Foodborne (0%)

The area of mycology has seen the greatest improvement in recent years

Air borne (84%)Improved efficacy of antifungal drugs (45%)

 The development expected to have the most promise over the next few years

New diagnostic tools for early detection and therapeutic monitoring (58%)

 

About ISHAM conference - The International Society for Human & Animal Mycology

ISHAM is a worldwide organization that facilitates the study and practice of all aspects of medical and veterinary mycology.  Twenty-three national medical mycology associations are affiliated with ISHAM. The society is a properly recognized non-governmental affiliate of the World Health Organization. 

This year’s 15th Congress, in San Antonio, Texas May 25 – 29, 2003, will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the foundation of the Society.  Over 450 abstracts of new research have been submitted for presentation.  The Congress program will follow four separate tracks – Basic Mycology, Applied Mycology, Immunology and Clinical Mycology.  Concurrent sessions will allow participants to focus on the area(s) most applicable to their interests.  

The scientific program will include detailed discussions on the continued increase in morbidity and mortality from fungal infections, newly emerging pathogens, increasing antifungal drug resistance, new drugs and treatment paradigms, and early detection and monitoring. Additional Congress information is available online at www.isham.org or by contacting Imedex, the conference secretariat. 

About Imedex®, Inc.
Based in Alpharetta, Georgia, USA, Imedex®, Inc. (www.imedex.com) is an industry leader in providing accredited medical education services. With 20 years experience in medical education, Imedex concentrates on medical meeting and symposia development worldwide, association management and sponsor acquisition/exhibit management. 

Imedex has extensive relationships with leading healthcare professionals and opinion leaders in many fields of medicine.  Imedex provides a fully staffed medical resource department as well as in-house business development, project management, marketing and graphic and web-design services.  Founded in 1985 in The Netherlands, Imedex established its US-based operations in 1987.