Immunocompromised Host

Question 1

What is the empiric treatment for febrile neutropaenia?

Answer 1

Piperacillin/tazobactam (or cefepime)
Plus gentamicin if septic shock
Plus vancomycin is MRSA colonised or clinical skin cannula infection

Question 2

What is the mechanism of action of echlocandins?

Answer 2

Inhibit glucan synthease to impair cell wall synthesis

Question 3

What is the mechanism of action of polyenes?

Answer 3

Bind to ergosterol to impair membrane function

Question 4

What is the mechanism of action of azoles?

Answer 4

Inhibits ergosterol synthesis

Question 5

Why are there many drug interactions with azole antifungals?

Answer 5

Because they are CYP3A4 inhibitors

Question 6

Which antifungal has the broadest antifungal activity?

Answer 6

Amphotericin B (a polyene)

Question 7

Which antifungal is used to treat aspergillus?

Answer 7

Voriconazole

Question 8

What are the typical types of infections in the first 1 month post transplant?

Answer 8

Nosocomial infections or infections associated with the surgery

Question 9

What are the typical infections 1-6 months post transplant?

Answer 9

Reactivation of latent viruses

Question 10

What are the typical infections after 6 months post transplant?

Answer 10

Standard community acquired infections