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Systemic fungal infections in patients with human inmunodeficiency virus

C Rodríguez-Cerdeira1, R Arenas2, G Moreno-Coutiño2

  • 1Servicio de Dermatología, CHUVI y Universidad de Vigo, Vigo, España.

Actas Dermo-Sifiliograficas
|October 31, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Systemic fungal infections like histoplasmosis, coccidioidomycosis, and cryptococcosis pose risks to immunocompromised patients, especially those with HIV/AIDS. Early diagnosis via histopathologic examination and culture of lesions is crucial for effective treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Immunocompromised Host

Background:

  • Histoplasmosis, coccidioidomycosis, and cryptococcosis are systemic mycoses caused by specific fungi.
  • These infections commonly affect immunocompromised individuals, particularly those with advanced HIV/AIDS.
  • Dissemination can affect various organs, including the skin, meninges, central nervous system, and bones.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the clinical manifestations and diagnostic approaches for systemic fungal infections in immunocompromised patients.
  • To highlight the importance of early diagnosis in managing disseminated fungal diseases.

Main Methods:

  • Review of literature on histoplasmosis, coccidioidomycosis, and cryptococcosis in immunocompromised hosts.
  • Discussion of clinical presentations and diagnostic methods.

Main Results:

  • Systemic fungal infections present with diverse clinical manifestations depending on the causative agent and host immune status.
  • Low CD4(+) lymphocyte counts (<150 cells/μL) are associated with increased risk and severity.
  • Histopathologic examination and culture are essential for definitive diagnosis.

Conclusions:

  • Prompt diagnosis and management are critical for improving outcomes in patients with systemic fungal infections.
  • Awareness of these infections is vital for clinicians managing immunocompromised populations, including those with HIV/AIDS.
Keywords:
Adquired inmunodeficiency syndromeCoccidioidomicosisCoccidioidomycosisCriptococosisCryptococcosisHistoplasmosisHuman immunodeficiency virusSidaVirus de la inmunodeficiencia humana

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