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Therapy for fungal infections
1Department of Medicine, Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, San Jose, California.
Mayo Clinic Proceedings
|November 1, 1994
Summary
New antifungal drugs like fluconazole have expanded treatment options for systemic fungal infections, especially in immunocompromised patients. This review offers recommendations for treating common mycoses, evaluating drug efficacy and toxicity.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Limited pharmacologic options previously existed for managing fungal diseases.
- The rise in immunocompromised individuals (e.g., those with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) or organ transplant recipients) necessitates effective treatments for systemic mycoses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and recommend therapeutic strategies for treating specific systemic fungal infections.
- To discuss the efficacy and adverse effects of various antifungal agents.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on antifungal agents.
- Clinical experience and expert recommendations for treating histoplasmosis, blastomycosis, coccidioidomycosis, and cryptococcosis.
- Evaluation of antifungal drug profiles, including efficacy and toxicity.
Main Results:
- Several new antifungal agents (ketoconazole, fluconazole, itraconazole) have broadened treatment choices beyond amphotericin B and miconazole.
- Specific recommendations are provided for managing common and less common fungal infections.
- Comparative analysis of antifungal drug efficacy and toxicity is presented.
Conclusions:
- The availability of newer antifungal agents has significantly improved the management of systemic fungal infections.
- Personalized treatment strategies considering drug efficacy and toxicity are crucial for immunocompromised patients.
- Further research and clinical experience are vital for optimizing antifungal therapy.