Fungal Infections Flashcards
State the number of fungal infections that can effect humans
1.5 billion
State the mortality rates of invasive fungal infections
> 50%
State the three main fungal pathogens
Aspergillus (Aspergillus Fumigatus), Candida (Candida Albicans), Cryptococcus (Cryptococcus Neoformans)
Describe why fungal pathogens are opportunistic in nature
They affect patients with an impaired immune system, chronic lung diseases and ICU settings
State the risk factors for mucocutaneous candidiasis
Antibiotic use, moist areas, inhalation of steroids, neonates, primary immunodeficinecy disorders
Where does invasive candidiasis tend to come from
The gut, endogenous of origin.
Describe the presentation of invasive candidiasis
Fever and chills that dont improve antibiotic treatment. Often the same as BSI.
State the mortality for invasive candidiasis
40%
State risk factors for invasive candidiasis
Broad spectrum antibiotics, intravascular catheters, total parenteral nutrition.
How is invasive candidiasis diagnosed
Histopathology and fungal cultures, blood cultures and serum B-glucan testing
State the treatment of invasive candidiasis
Echinocandin if patients are severely ill. Fluconazole if patients are stable.
State the transmission of aspergillous
Sporulation, hydrophobic conidia. Airborne/inhalation.
When does acute invasive pulmonary aspergillosis occur
Neutropenic patients or patients with defects in phagocytes
When does chronic pulmonary aspergillosis occur
Patients with underlying chronic lung infections
State the symptoms of aspergillus disease
Cough, haemoptysis, pleuritic check pain and shortness of breath. If untreated this can lead to respiratory failure.
