Fungal Diagnostics Standardization: About ISHAM-Fungal Working Group

The ISHAM Fungal Working Group was established in 2022 under the International Society for Human and Animal Mycology (ISHAM) by a cohort of Medical Mycologists, Clinical Microbiology Diagnostics Laboratory Directors, and Infectious Disease experts. Our mission is to enhance the standardization of Fungal Diagnostics across various clinical microbiology settings. We strive to share expertise globally, particularly with nations that have limited resources, to create a robust framework of existing knowledge on Fungal Diagnostics. This includes identifying essential diagnostic tests and addressing diagnostic gaps through collaborative learning. We will also work closely with other ISHAM working groups, international societies, regulatory agencies, and governmental authorities.

Sharon Chen (Australia) has been active in the field of Clinical Microbiology, while Martin Hönigl (Austria) contributes expertise in Fungal Diagnostics. Arunaloke Chakrabarti (India) and Mohammad Hedayati (IRAN) are both renowned members of the ISHAM Fungal Working Group. Maiken Arendrup (Denmark) and Ana Alastruey-Izquierdo (Spain) play significant roles in advancing research in Clinical Microbiology. Riina Richardson (Manchester, UK) and Malcolm Richardson (Manchester, UK) are prominent figures in Fungal Diagnostics, as well. On the other hand, Lewis White (Cardiff, UK) and Darius Armstrong-James (London, UK) continue to make contributions to the ISHAM Fungal Working Group. Lastly, Amir Seyedmousavi and Nathan Wiederhold (both from the USA) have both had impactful careers within Clinical Microbiology.

The objectives of the ISHAM Fungal Working Group are to create an international network where clinical microbiology and mycology laboratory directors, along with clinicians, can share their knowledge. This group aims to establish and coordinate joint research projects between members focused on Fungal Diagnostics, as well as collaborate with other ISHAM working groups and international societies. Additionally, the group seeks to initiate and contribute to the development of international guidelines associated with fungal diagnostics. They will also coordinate multicenter audits and research, leading to joint publications. Crucially, the group plans to develop international educational programs that support the diagnosis and treatment of patients suffering from fungal infections. To achieve these goals, meetings and sessions will be organized at relevant congresses to enhance global understanding, accessibility, and validity of fungal diagnostics.

Our expertise in Clinical Microbiology encompasses: 1. Conventional Mycology 2. Molecular Diagnostics 3. Next-Generation Sequencing 4. MALDI-TOF 5. Antifungal Susceptibility Testing (utilizing both phenotypic and molecular assays to identify resistance) 6. Biomarkers, serology, and point of care assays 7. Cytology/Pathology 8. Novel diagnostic approaches (including metabolomics, transcriptomics, mycobiome studies, cytokine detection assays, T cell phenotyping, etc.) relevant to Fungal Diagnostics. We also collaborate with the ISHAM Fungal Working Group to advance our methods.