Fungal endocarditis: what do we know in 2019?

Ganesh Kumar K Ammannaya1, Ninada Sripad2

  • 1Department of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery,Lokmanya Tilak Municipal Medical College and General Hospital, Sion, Mumbai, India

Kardiologia Polska
|June 20, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Fungal endocarditis (FE) is a rare but deadly infection. Early diagnosis using molecular methods and prompt treatment with antifungals and surgery are crucial for better patient outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Mycology
  • Cardiology

Background:

  • Fungal endocarditis (FE) is a rare, life-threatening condition.
  • Candida and Aspergillus species are the most common fungal culprits.
  • Clinical symptoms, like fever of unknown origin, often mimic bacterial endocarditis, complicating diagnosis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the challenges in diagnosing fungal endocarditis.
  • To emphasize the importance of molecular diagnostic techniques.
  • To underscore the necessity of prompt and aggressive treatment strategies.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current literature on fungal endocarditis.
  • Analysis of diagnostic challenges and emerging molecular techniques.
  • Evaluation of treatment outcomes based on combined antifungal therapy and surgical intervention.

Main Results:

  • Fungal endocarditis presents diagnostic difficulties, often mistaken for bacterial endocarditis.
  • Molecular diagnostic methods are increasingly vital for accurate and timely identification.
  • Combined antifungal therapy and surgical debridement significantly improve patient prognosis.

Conclusions:

  • Accurate diagnosis of fungal endocarditis is challenging but critical.
  • Molecular diagnostics represent a significant advancement in FE detection.
  • Aggressive, multimodal treatment including antifungals and surgery is essential for survival.

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