Scientists from Cologne and experts from Jena cooperate

Fighting fungal infections together

Lichtheimia corymbifera in laboratory culture. The very basic fungus triggers severe, often fatal infections. (Photo: HKI/Katrin Haupt)

In order to promote the exchange between practicing physicians and infection researchers, the National Reference Center for Invasive Fungal Infections (NRZMyk) in Jena and the infection register FungiScope from Cologne have now joined forces.

The NRZMyk led by Professor Oliver Kurzai has been appointed by the Robert Koch Institute as National Reference Laboratory and advises doctors in the treatment of fungal infections that are particularly difficult to treat. Hundreds of cases of invasive fungal infections are discussed annually.

At FungiScope doctors from 62 countries currently contribute data from the treatment of patients with rare fungal infections. Experts from Cologne like founder of FungiScope, Professor Oliver Cornely advise now based on more than 600 cases.

Computed tomographic cross section through the chest. At the arrowed zone lung tissue is lost as a result of a fungal infection. Dark areas show healthy, air-filled lung tissue. (Photo: UKK/Oliver Cornely)

"With this cooperation we will systematically capture valuable clinical data from the rare fungal infections that are diagnosed at NRZMyk and thus achieve a better data base than we have ever had," says Professor Oliver Kurzai. Professor Oliver Cornely: "Thanks to the extensive data base we can develop new diagnostic methods and improve the national and international treatment of fungal infections."

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