Fungal Infections

Question 1

What is the global burden of fungal infections?

Answer 1

• 1.5 billion fungal infections of humans
• > 3 million life threatening infections/year
• Mortality rates > 50%
• > 400,000 cases of blindness/year
• Links with allergens & asthma

Question 2

What are the 3 key fungal organisms causing the majority of invasive fungal infections in the UK & Europe?

Answer 2

1 - Aspergillus Fumigatus

2 - Candida Albicans

3 - Cryptococcus Neoformans

Question 3

What is meant by opportunistic fungal infections?

Answer 3

Infections which:

• Affect patients with an impaired immune system
• Affect patients with chronic lung diseases (Asthma, CF, COPD)
• Affect patients in ICU settings

Question 4

What are the 3 classes of antifungals available for treatment of invasive fungal infections?

Answer 4

1) Amphotericin B
2) Azoles
3) Echinocandins
4) Flucytosine