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Invasive fungal infections in the paediatric and neonatal population: diagnostics and management issues

M C Arendrup1, B T Fisher, T E Zaoutis

  • 1Unit of Mycology and Parasitology, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark.

Clinical Microbiology and Infection : the Official Publication of the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases
|August 14, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Invasive fungal infections in children are rising, particularly in immunocompromised neonates. This review covers advances in rapid diagnostics and current antifungal treatments for pediatric invasive fungal infections.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases
  • Mycology
  • Clinical Pharmacology

Background:

  • Invasive fungal infections (IFIs) in children, especially neonates and immunocompromised individuals, have increased.
  • Candida, Aspergillus, Malassezia, and Zygomycetes are key pathogens, with zygomycosis posing a significant threat due to its high fatality rate.
  • Timely diagnosis and treatment are crucial, but traditional methods face challenges in pediatric sample collection and speed.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent advances in the detection and rapid species identification of fungal pathogens in pediatric IFIs.
  • To discuss current antifungal treatment options for neonates and children, considering drug spectrum and pharmacokinetics.
  • To highlight the need for further research on newer antifungal agents in pediatric populations.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of diagnostic techniques for pediatric IFIs.
  • Analysis of current antifungal agents and their application in neonates and children.
  • Evaluation of pharmacokinetic properties and age-specific considerations for antifungal therapy.

Main Results:

  • Advances in diagnostic methods offer faster detection and identification of fungal species.
  • Current treatment strategies are guided by the antifungal spectrum and age-specific pharmacokinetics.
  • Several newer antifungal compounds are available, but their definitive role in pediatric IFIs requires further investigation.

Conclusions:

  • Improved diagnostic tools and understanding of pharmacokinetics are enhancing the management of pediatric IFIs.
  • Optimizing antifungal therapy requires careful consideration of drug properties and patient age.
  • Continued research is essential to establish the efficacy and safety of novel antifungal agents in neonates and children.

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