Invasive fungal Infections Flashcards
what are the 3 major opportunistic fungal infections?
aspergillus fumigatus
candida albican
cryptococcus neoformans
what fungal infection is responsible for respiratory infections?
aspergillus species
what type of fungal infection can cause meningitis?
crypto coccus
what are risk factors for mucocutaneous candidiasis?
inhaled corticosteroids
antibiotic use
moist areas
neonates < 3 months
what fungal infection can commonly be a presenting symptoms of HIV?
mucocutaneous candidiasis infection - thrush
what are risk factors for invasive candidiasis?
broad spectrum antibiotics
IV catheters
total parenteral nutrition
abdominal surgery
how is invasive candidiasis investigated?
beta-d-glucan blood cultures (or from other sterile site)
how is aspergillus contracted?
airborne - inhalation
who are at risk of acute invasive pulmonary aspergillosis?
neutropenic patients
patients with defects in phagocytes
post transplant
who are at risk of chronic pulmonary aspergillosis?
patients with underlying chronic lung conditions i.e. COPD
what puts a patient at risk of pulmonary aspergilloma?
previous TB with lung cavities
sarcoidosis, bronchiectasis, bronchial cysts and bull, pulmonary infections
how can respiratory aspergillosis occur in non-neutropenic patients?
influenza + steroids
influenza virus affects our immune system paralying macrophages
what is characteristic about pulmonary aspergillosis on CT?
halo sign or air crescent sign
how is pulmonary aspergillosis diagnosed?
culture of sputum bronchoalveolar lavage biospy aspergillus specific IgG and IgE CT chest galactomannan in blood and PCR aspergillus
what are the 4 drugs classes of anti-fungals?
Azoles
Polyenes
Echocandins
Allylamines
