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Fungal pneumonias
1Infectious Disease Division, Laboratory Sciences of Arizona, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Phoenix, USA.
Abstract:
Hundreds of fungal species have been associated with pulmonary diseases in humans, but few are consistently found to cause pneumonia. This paper reviews the clinical presentations, geographic prevalence, and epidemiology of, as well as the most recent, yet readily available, diagnostic methods and general therapy for the more common fungal pneumonias. The chapter is divided into categories based on the fungi's physiological and growth characteristics, clinical presentations, and prevalence in the environment. Sections include the geographically restricted dimorphic fungi (e.g., Blastomyces, Coccidioides, Histoplasma, Paracoccidioides, Sporotrichum, and Penicillium mameffei), the more globally found yeasts (e.g., Cryptococcus neoformans and Candida), other hyaline moulds (e.g., Aspergillus, Zygomyces, Fusarium, and Trichosporon), as well as the dematiaceous fungi (e.g., Altemaria, Bipolaris, Curvularia, Pseudallescheria, and Xylohypha). Pneumocystis carinii is also discussed since it is now accepted as being more closely related to the fungi based on analysis of its 16S-like RNA sequences.
Insights
This review covers common fungal pneumonias, detailing their clinical features, global distribution, and diagnostic methods. It categorizes fungi like dimorphic fungi, yeasts, and molds to guide understanding and treatment of these human lung infections.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Numerous fungal species are linked to human lung diseases.
- However, only a limited number consistently cause pneumonia.
- Fungal pneumonia presents diverse clinical and epidemiological profiles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review common fungal pneumonias.
- To discuss clinical presentations, geographic prevalence, and epidemiology.
- To outline recent diagnostic methods and general therapy.
Main Methods:
- Categorization of fungi based on physiological and growth characteristics.
- Inclusion of geographically restricted dimorphic fungi (e.g., Blastomyces, Coccidioides).
- Discussion of globally prevalent yeasts (e.g., Cryptococcus, Candida) and various molds (e.g., Aspergillus, Fusarium).
Main Results:
- Fungal pneumonias are classified into groups including dimorphic fungi, yeasts, hyaline molds, and dematiaceous fungi.
- Geographic distribution varies significantly among fungal pathogens.
- Pneumocystis carinii, now classified with fungi, is also addressed.
Conclusions:
- A comprehensive overview of fungal pneumonia is provided.
- Understanding fungal classification aids in diagnosis and treatment.
- This review serves as a guide to common fungal lung infections.