CH 52: Fungal Infections

Question 1

Characteristics of Fungal Infections

Answer 1

• not easily transmitted thru casual contact
• serious fungal infections uncommon w/ healthy immune defense
• more common in immunocompromised pts
• treatment may req weeks to months of therapy due to resistance

Question 2

what environments do fungal bac love?

Answer 2

dark, moist environments with lots of sugar

Question 3

Fungal infections & immunocompromised

Answer 3

• DM, HIV, Cancer
• systemic fungal infection may be rapidly fatal
• may experience freq fungal infections and require aggressive pharmacotherapy

Question 4

nystatin (Mycostain, Nystop): interactions

Superficial Fungal Infections

Answer 4

unknown drug interactions + symptomatic overdose treatment

Question 5

nystatin (Mycostain, Nystop): considerations

Answer 5

• Hx + assessment
• observe for improvement & report persistent infections
• avoid occlusive dressings / ointment on moist, dark areas of body
• teach pt to avoid sharing shoes, towels, or personal objects (esp w/ candida)

Question 6

drugs similar to nystatin: Griseofulvin (Gris-PEG)

Answer 6

• orally only (ineffective topically)
• used to treat skin infections, e.g., jock itch, athlete’s foot, ringworm; fungal infections of scalp, fingernails, toenails
• reserved for cases w/ nail, hair, or large body surface involvement

Question 7

Griseofulvin (Gris-PEG): SEs

drug similar to nystatin

Answer 7

• phototoxicity
• SJS
• urticaria
• dizziness
• really decr effectiveness of OCP
• alcohol = disulfiram-like reaction