Fungal sinusitis is an emerging problem with diverse presentations. The disease has gained importance because of its considerable morbidity and mortality especially in immunocompromised hosts. Though the disease is an immediate concern of clinicians managing patients with underlying diseases or on cytotoxic therapies, the infection can occur in healthy hosts. The disease occurring in Asian and African countries has some differences from patients in USA and other countries in western hemisphere in etiology, histopathology and clinical presentations. Multiple controversies surrounding its categorization, pathology, presentation; and deficiency in understanding its pathogenesis, diagnosis and management has led us to develop a consortium to work together and to exchange ideas for resolving the problems.

As International Society for Human and Animal Mycology (ISHAM) has undertaken a special effort in establishment of Working Groups on particular themes, we have planned to develop this network under the umbrella of ISHAM, though the participation in the consortium is open to everybody with interest in fungal sinusitis. ISHAM has a worldwide coverage for publicity, provide facilities and networking and has means to provide persona grants and possibility of supporting workshops. As ISHAM is such dynamic organization with strong commitment in the field of Medical Mycology, I would encourage you to join ISHAM if you are not a member already. However, it would not be any precondition to join the Fungal Sinusitis network. You can visit the ISHAM website at www.isham.org to know its activities.

Arunaloke Chakrabarti, M.D. Dip.N.B.Convener, Fungal Sinusitis Network
Professor, Medical Microbiology
Incharge, division of Medical Mycology
Department of Medical Microbiology
Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research
Chandigarh-160012, India.
Off    + 91 172 275 5156
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