Invasive fungal infections in liver diseases

Nicolas Barros1,2, Russell E Rosenblatt3, Meaghan M Phipps4

  • 1Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA.

PubMed

Insights

Patients with liver disease face a high risk of invasive fungal infections (IFIs). This review updates knowledge on IFI epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and management in these vulnerable patients.

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology and Infectious Diseases
  • Mycology

Background:

  • Patients with liver disease, including cirrhosis and hepatitis, are highly susceptible to invasive fungal infections (IFIs).
  • These infections contribute significantly to morbidity and mortality in this population.
  • Risk factors include immune dysfunction, malnutrition, and microbiome changes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide an updated overview of invasive fungal infections (IFIs) in patients with liver disease.
  • To cover epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnostic methods, and management strategies.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current literature on IFIs in liver disease patients.
  • Synthesis of information on diagnostic approaches and treatment.

Main Results:

  • Candida species are the most common cause of IFIs, but Aspergillus, Cryptococcus, Pneumocystis, and endemic fungi are increasingly recognized.
  • Diagnosis relies on pathogen detection (culture, histopathology) or molecular/serological markers (antigens, antibodies, nucleic acid).

Conclusions:

  • Invasive fungal infections pose a significant threat to patients with liver disease and liver transplant recipients.
  • Early diagnosis and appropriate management are crucial for improving outcomes.

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