Antifungal Drugs - Ch. 92 Flashcards
Fungi
-Large and diverse group of micro-organisms
-Broken down into yeasts and moulds
What is the term used for fungal infections?
Mycoses
Where can fungal infections develop?
Normal flora of the skin, mouth, intestines, vagina (just like bacteria)
There is a rise in which kind of fungal infections?
Opportunistic
-Broad-spectrum antibiotics causing less competition
How are Mycotic (fungal) infections classified?
Superficial
Systemic
Where do superficial mycotic (fungal) infections occur?
Integumentary
Mucous membranes
What are systemic mycotic infections?
Can be life-threatening
May require prolonged drug therapy that can be toxic
Occur in immunocompromised hosts
What is Candida albicans?
Common yeast
Why are immunocompromised patients more likely to get a candida infection?
Antibacterial therapy, antineoplastics or immunosuppressents increase their risk
What can result from a Candida albicans infection in an immunocompromised patient?
May result in overgrowth and systemic infections
What are some parts of the body Candida albicans infects?
Mouth mucous membranes
Vagina
What is is called when there is an infection of candida in the mouth?
Oral candidiasis or thrush
What is it called when there is vaginal candidiasis?
Yeast infection
What things can make you more susceptible to Candida infections?
Pregnancy
Diabetes Mellitus
Oral contraceptives
What are dermatomycoses?
Tinea/ringworm
-Affects skin, nails and hair