Skip to main content
hpa logo
Topics A-Z:
Search the site:
Home › Topics › Infectious Diseases › Infections A-Z › Fungal Infections › UK Clinical Mycology Network ›Objectives and progress of the UK Clinical Mycology Network ›  Objectives and progress of the Advisory Committee on Fungal Infections, 2003-2004
Printer friendly page (opens in new window)

Objectives and progress of the Advisory Committee on Fungal Infections, 2003-2004

  1. Develop standard methodology and evaluation methods for fungal molecular diagnostics
    The UK and Ireland Fungal PCR Consensus Group has been evaluating a number of PCR fungal diagnostic methods and is soon to publish the results of the last three distributions. It runs independently of the ACFI.
  2. Mycology Reference Laboratory to develop HPA microbiology standard operating procedures (SOP) in conjunction with HPA technical services
    Several SOPs have been prepared including the recently completed Dermatology SOP. Further work on sensitivity SOPs are planned.
  3. Ensure that the Mycology Reference Laboratory is fully staffed
    This has been achieved. See HPA Mycology Reference Laboratory  for services offered and current research interests.
  4. Address the shortage of trained mycologists
    British Society of Medical Mycology and UCL Diploma/ MSc courses are now running. This objective is also being addressed via the newly established UK Clinical Mycology Network (UKCMN), which is lobbying for funding for training.
  5. Identify reliable web-based sources of information to which links can be established from the HPA website
    This was done and is being updated in 2005.
  6. Raise the profile of mycology in the UK and support the need for accurate diagnosis in conjunction with the British Society of Medical Mycology
    The ACFI produced a report on Fungal Diseases in the UK and hope to raise the profile of this area via the newly established UKCMN.
  7. Develop a network of entomologists
    This was not achieved and will not be pursued by the revised Advisory Committee.


During 2004, the AFCI produced a report on Fungal Diseases in the UK:

Fungal Diseases in the UK 2006

In 2005, the ACFI decided to re-form once Superficial Parasite representation was no longer deemed necessary and the ACFI had the added function of steering the UKCMN. The UKCMN is in the process of being established as a result of the report on Fungal Diseases in the UK.

Objectives for 2006 to 2007 are currently being set.


Last reviewed: 7 April 2009