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Common and emerging fungal pulmonary infections

Li Yang Hsu1, Esther Shu-Ting Ng, Liang Piu Koh

  • 1Department of Medicine, National University Health System, Singapore 119074, Singapore. liyang_hsu@yahoo.com

Infectious Disease Clinics of North America
|August 3, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Fungal pulmonary infections are rising in immunocompromised individuals. Advances in diagnostics and therapeutics are improving outcomes for vulnerable patients, including transplant recipients.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Mycology
  • Pulmonology

Background:

  • Fungal pulmonary infections are increasingly prevalent due to a rise in immunocompromised patients.
  • Previously low-pathogenicity fungi like molds are now causing invasive disease in severely immunocompromised hosts.
  • Progress in managing these infections has lagged behind other infectious diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide an overview of endemic and emerging fungal pulmonary infections.
  • To discuss recent advancements in the diagnosis and clinical management of these infections.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of endemic mycoses and emerging fungal pulmonary infections.
  • Analysis of recent developments in diagnostic tools and therapeutic strategies.
  • Focus on clinical management, particularly in vulnerable populations.

Main Results:

  • Fungal infections are a growing concern, especially in immunocompromised individuals.
  • Emerging fungal pathogens, including molds, are increasingly implicated in invasive diseases.
  • Recent diagnostic and therapeutic advances show promise for improved patient outcomes.

Conclusions:

  • Despite slow overall progress, new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches are enhancing the management of fungal pulmonary infections.
  • Improved clinical outcomes are particularly noted in high-risk groups like solid organ and hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients.
  • Continued research and development are crucial for addressing the challenges posed by these infections.

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