Orofacial fungal infections. Nine pathogens that may invade during chemotherapy

Area of Science:

• Mycology
• Infectious Diseases
• Oncology

Background:

• Immunosuppression, often caused by antineoplastic drugs or malignant tumors, significantly increases patient vulnerability to infections.
• Opportunistic fungi, typically harmless in healthy individuals, pose severe health risks to immunocompromised patients.
• Common fungal pathogens include Candida species (especially Candida albicans) and Aspergillus, frequently causing facial and oral infections.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the spectrum of opportunistic fungal infections in immunosuppressed patients.
• To identify key fungal pathogens responsible for severe infections in this vulnerable population.
• To discuss strategies for controlling these infections.

Main Methods:

• Review of common and less common fungal pathogens affecting immunosuppressed patients.
• Identification of specific clinical manifestations, such as facial and oral infections.
• Summary of current therapeutic approaches for fungal infection control.

Main Results:

• Candida species, particularly Candida albicans, are the most frequent fungal pathogens.
• Aspergillosis is the second most common fungal infection of the face and mouth in chemotherapy patients.
• Other significant fungal agents include Torulopsis glabrata, Mucor, Absidia, Rhizopus oryzae, Histoplasma capsulatum, Cryptococcus neoformans, Coccidioides immitis, Fusarium species, and Trichosporon cutaneum.

Conclusions:

• Restoration of host defenses is a critical component of managing fungal infections.
• Antifungal medications such as nystatin, clotrimazole, amphotericin B, and flucytosine are essential for treatment.
• Early diagnosis and appropriate antifungal therapy are crucial for improving outcomes in immunosuppressed patients.