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Opportunistic fungi: a view to the future
1Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama 35294-0006, USA. pappas@uab.edu
The American Journal of the Medical Sciences
|September 9, 2010
Summary
Opportunistic fungi pose a significant threat to vulnerable patients. Newer diagnostic tools and antifungal azole medications offer improved early detection and treatment options for invasive fungal infections.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Clinical Diagnostics
Background:
- Opportunistic fungi are evolving pathogens.
- Vulnerable patient populations include those in ICUs, transplant recipients, and immunocompromised individuals.
- Invasive fungal infections require rapid diagnosis for optimal patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review emerging nonculture-based diagnostic methods for invasive fungal infections.
- To discuss novel azole antifungal agents as future therapeutic options.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on opportunistic fungal infections.
- Analysis of newer diagnostic assays: Aspergillus galactomannan ELISA, beta-d-glucan assay, multiplex PCR.
- Evaluation of newer azole antifungals: posaconazole, isavuconazole, ravuconazole.
Main Results:
- Nonculture-based diagnostics show promise for early detection of invasive fungal infections.
- Newer azoles may offer more effective treatment than traditional therapies like amphotericin B.
Conclusions:
- Advancements in diagnostics and therapeutics are crucial for managing opportunistic fungal infections.
- Early intervention with effective antifungal therapy can improve outcomes in high-risk patients.
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