Academia Open
Vol. 10 No. 2 (2025): December

Fungal Infections and Their Impact on Cytokine Dysregulation: Biomarkers of Inflammation in Histoplasma capsulatum Infections

Sadam Hameed Rasheed (General Directorate for Education of Diyala, Diyala, Iraq)
Haneen Kadhim Zaid (College of Dentistry ,University of Thi-qar)
Mustafa Kareem Hassan (Pathological Analysis Department, Faculty of Applied Medical Science, Al-Shatrah University, Iraq)
Osama A. Mohsein (Thi-Qar Health Directorate, Al Habbobi Teaching Hospital, Thi-Qar, Iraq)



Article Info

Publish Date
24 Oct 2025

Abstract

General Background: Fungal infections remain a global health concern, particularly in immunocompromised individuals, due to their high morbidity and mortality rates. Specific Background: Among these, Histoplasma capsulatum causes histoplasmosis, a systemic mycosis marked by immune dysregulation and oxidative stress, yet the precise mechanisms linking cytokine imbalance and disease severity remain insufficiently understood. Knowledge Gap: Limited data exist on the concurrent assessment of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress biomarkers in histoplasmosis, especially in non-endemic regions. Aims: This study aimed to evaluate cytokine and oxidative stress profiles in patients with H. capsulatum infection and determine their association with disease severity. Results: Compared to controls, patients exhibited elevated TNF-α, IL-6, IFN-γ, IL-10, TGF-β, CRP, and MDA levels, alongside reduced total antioxidant capacity (TAC), with biomarker levels increasing proportionally with disease severity (P < 0.001). Novelty: This is the first study to integrate immunological and oxidative biomarkers in H. capsulatum infection, revealing their interdependent role in pathogenesis. Implications: Findings highlight that simultaneous cytokine and oxidative stress dysregulation underpins disease progression, suggesting that biomarker monitoring could improve prognostic evaluation and guide targeted immunomodulatory therapies.Highlight : The study evaluates cytokine and oxidative stress biomarkers in histoplasmosis patients. Results show increased inflammatory markers correlated with disease severity. Biomarker monitoring may guide prognosis and improve therapeutic strategies. Keywords : Histoplasma capsulatum, cytokines, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-10

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Journal Info

Abbrev

acopen

Publisher

Subject

Medicine & Pharmacology Public Health

Description

Academia Open is published by Universitas Muhammadiyah Sidoarjo published 2 (two) issues per year (June and December). This journal provides immediate open access to its content on the principle that making research freely available to the public supports a greater global exchange of knowledge. This ...