Curvularia spp. and Curvularia Infections: A Comprehensive Review

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Year : 2026 | Volume : 3 | 02 | Page :
By

Atul Khajuria,

Kiran Kumari,

Tapaswi Ram Khajuria,

  1. Dean, Department of Allied & Health Care Sciences, Rayat Bahra Professional University, Hoshiarpur – Chandigarh Rd, VPO, Bohan, Hoshiarpur, Punjab, India
  2. Retd. Govt. Master, Education Dept., Govt. High School, Pachote, Chenani, Udhampur, J&K, India
  3. Retd. Lecturer, Education Dept, Govt. Higher Sec School, Barola Udhampur, J&K, India

Abstract

Curvularia spp., dematiaceous (melanin-pigmented) fungi in the family Pleosporaceae, emerge as opportunistic pathogens that cause phaeohyphomycosis, allergic fungal rhinosinusitis, and keratitis. This review dissects their pathogenesis via melanized cell walls, conferring tissue invasion, protease secretion, and immune evasion in immunocompromised hosts. Clinical manifestations span cutaneous (70%), sinopulmonary (20%), disseminated (5-10%), and CNS forms, mimicking aspergillosis or mucormycosis. Laboratory diagnosis hinges on histopathology (irregular septate hyphae, 3-8 µm, brown on Fontana-Masson), culture (velvety olivaceous colonies, falcate macroconidia 4-6 x 15-35 µm), and molecular ITS/28S sequencing for species ID (>40 spp., C. lunata dominant). Management relies on voriconazole (MIC90 1-2 µg/mL) or amphotericin B; isavuconazole shows promise against azole-resistant infections due to Cyp51A mutations. Seven detailed tables elucidate morphotypes, virulence cascades, histopathological patterns, diagnostic workflows, MIC profiles, species differentiation, and prognostic indicators. Tailored for MD Microbiology and Pathology trainees, this synthesis equips specialists for precise identification of Curvularia’s phaeoid hyphae in granulomatous inflammation, fostering clinicopathological expertise in endemic and nosocomial contexts without literature discourse.

Keywords: Curvularia spp, Phaeohyphomycosis, Melanin, Opportunistic Fungal Infections, Molecular Diagnosis

How to cite this article: Atul Khajuria, Kiran Kumari, Tapaswi Ram Khajuria. Curvularia spp. and Curvularia Infections: A Comprehensive Review. International Journal of Fungi. 2026; 03(02):-.
How to cite this URL: Atul Khajuria, Kiran Kumari, Tapaswi Ram Khajuria. Curvularia spp. and Curvularia Infections: A Comprehensive Review. International Journal of Fungi. 2026; 03(02):-. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/ijf/article=2026/view=259489

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Ahead of Print Subscription Review Article
Volume 03
02
Received 08/04/2026
Accepted 20/07/2026
Published 22/07/2026
Publication Time 105 Days

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