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Bio-energetics Investigation of Candida albicans Using Real-time Extracellular Flux Analysis
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Published on: March 19, 2019

Fungal infections in the cancer patient

G P Bodey

    South African Medical Journal = Suid-Afrikaanse Tydskrif Vir Geneeskunde
    |December 10, 1977
    PubMed

    Insights

    Fungal infections are rising, particularly in cancer patients, often caused by Candida and Aspergillus species. Improved diagnostics and new antifungal drugs are crucial for better patient outcomes.

    Area of Science:

    • Medical Mycology
    • Infectious Diseases
    • Oncology

    Background:

    • Fungal infections are increasingly prevalent, especially in immunocompromised individuals like those with hematological malignancies.
    • Candida spp. and Aspergillus spp. are the most common fungal pathogens in cancer patients.
    • Risk factors include neutropenia, lymphopenia, gastrointestinal ulceration, IV catheters, and corticosteroid therapy.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To review the epidemiology, clinical manifestations, and management challenges of fungal infections in cancer patients.
    • To highlight the difficulties in diagnosing fungal infections and the limitations of current therapies.

    Main Methods:

    • Review of current literature on fungal infections in immunocompromised patients.
    • Analysis of common fungal pathogens, predisposing factors, and clinical presentations.
    • Evaluation of diagnostic challenges and therapeutic options, including Amphotericin B.

    Main Results:

    • Candida spp. cause diverse infections (dermatitis, thrush, GI, disseminated).
    • Aspergillus spp. and Phycomycetes cause pulmonary, disseminated, or rhino-cerebral infections.
    • Cryptococcus neoformans typically causes meningitis but can lead to pneumonia or disseminated disease.

    Conclusions:

    • Diagnosis of fungal infections is often delayed, frequently occurring post-mortem.
    • Amphotericin B is the primary antifungal but shows limited efficacy in severely immunocompromised patients.
    • Future management requires enhanced diagnostic tools and the development of novel, less toxic antifungal agents.

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