Advances on the pathogenic mechanism of Penicillium marneffei

Penicillium marneffei (P.marneffei) is a common opportunistic fungal pathogen in AIDS patients. It has been considered that the pathogenicity of this fungus is related to its virulence factors, pathogenic genes and the immune state of hosts. With the accomplishment of the whole genome sequencing of P.marneffei, new technologies based on genomics and proteomics have been applied to the research on its pathogenicity gradually. This article aims to review the recent advances on the pathogenic mechanism of P.marneffei. Key words: Opportunistic infections; Penicillium marneffei; Pathogenicity; Virulence factor