[Systemic mycoses. Epidemiology, clinical aspects, diagnosis]

Systemic mycoses are serious, often life-threatening, infections that are encountered with increasing frequency in many countries. These infections are most often seen as a result of advanced medical treatment leading to profoundly immuno-suppressed patients. In Norway, most systemic mycoses are caused by Candida, followed by Aspergillus, Cryptococci and Mucorales. This paper deals with the pathogenetic and immunologic mechanisms underlying these infections. The different agents are described, and the various clinical manifestations. A discussion of the diagnosis of systemic mycoses is followed by some general considerations regarding treatment.