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Fungal infections in nontransplant patients with hematologic malignancies

Brahm H Segal1, Eric J Bow, Francisco Menichetti

  • 1Division of Infectious Diseases, SUNY at Buffalo, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Elm and Carlton Streets, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA. brahm.segal@roswellpark.org

Infectious Disease Clinics of North America
|January 7, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Hematologic malignancy patients face significant risks from fungal infections, particularly from Candida and Aspergillus species. Emerging resistant fungal pathogens pose an increasing threat, necessitating a review of their epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Hematology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Fungal infections are a significant cause of illness and death in patients with hematologic malignancies.
  • Candida and Aspergillus species are the primary opportunistic fungal pathogens in this vulnerable group.
  • Rare fungal pathogens resistant to standard treatments are increasingly prevalent.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the epidemiology of fungal infections in non-transplant hematologic malignancy patients.
  • To discuss the clinical manifestations, diagnostic approaches, and treatment strategies for major fungal pathogens.
  • To highlight the rising incidence of emerging fungal pathogens resistant to amphotericin B.

Main Methods:

  • Review of epidemiological data on fungal infections in hematologic malignancy patients.
  • Analysis of clinical presentations and diagnostic methods for common and emerging fungal pathogens.
  • Evaluation of current treatment guidelines and therapeutic options for fungal infections.

Main Results:

  • Candida and Aspergillus species are the most common fungal pathogens.
  • Dimorphic fungi and encapsulated yeasts like Cryptococcus neoformans cause disseminated infections in immunocompromised hosts.
  • Emerging pathogens such as Trichosporon, Fusarium, Scedosporium, and dark-walled molds are increasingly identified and often resistant to amphotericin B.

Conclusions:

  • Fungal infections remain a critical concern for patients with hematologic malignancies.
  • Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are crucial for improving outcomes.
  • The rise of antifungal resistance necessitates ongoing surveillance and development of new therapeutic strategies.

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