Fungal infections Flashcards
3 fungal organisms causing the majority of invasive fungal infections in the UK/Europe
Aspergillus species - mould
-e.g. aspegillus fumigatus
Candida species - yeast
-e.g. Candida albicans
Cryptococcus species - yeast
-cryptococcus neoformans
Fungal infections are opportunistic infections - what does this mean
Taking advantage of an opportunity not normally available, such as a host with a weakened immune system
Fungal pathogens tend to affect those with an impaired immune system - give examples of this
HIV
Malignancy
Premature
Fungal pathogens tend to affect what groups of people
Those with impaired immune system
Those with chronic lung diseases, e.g. CF, COPD
Those in intensive care
Candida species can cause what infections
Thrush
Candidemia - blood infection
Investigations of invasive candidiasis
Blood culture
Beta glucan test
Fungal PCR
Cutaneous candidiasis can present with use of what drugs
Antibiotics
Inhaled steroids
Aspergillus species is transmitted in what way
Airborne
Contaminated water
Aspergillosis species tends to affect what organ
Lungs
Cryptococcus species tends to cause what infection
Meningitis
Transmission of cryptococcus
Inhalation
3 classes of antifungals available for treatment of invasive fungal infections
Amphotericin B - IV
Azoles - IV, oral
Echinocandins - IV
Mechanism of amphotericin B drugs
Act on ergosterol - lyse this
Mechanism of azoles
Inhibit ergosterol synthesis
Mechanism of echinocandins
Inhibit glucan synthesis
