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Detection of Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis in Haematological Malignancy Patients by using Lateral-flow Technology
08:01

Detection of Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis in Haematological Malignancy Patients by using Lateral-flow Technology

Published on: March 22, 2012

Treatment of invasive aspergillosis

D W Denning1

  • 1Department of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine (Monsall Unit), North Manchester General Hospital, Crumpsall.

The Journal of Infection
|May 1, 1994
PubMed

Insights

Invasive aspergillosis treatment remains challenging, with limited effective drugs like amphotericin and itraconazole. This review explores current therapeutic strategies, including combination therapy and surgery, for this life-threatening fungal infection.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Mycology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pulmonology

Background:

  • Invasive aspergillosis is a severe opportunistic fungal infection primarily affecting the respiratory system.
  • High mortality rates are observed in immunocompromised patients, including transplant recipients and those with AIDS or aplastic anemia.
  • Current therapeutic options, amphotericin and itraconazole, have limitations in efficacy and achieving adequate serum concentrations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current therapeutic strategies for invasive aspergillosis.
  • To discuss criteria for initiating treatment, combination and sequential therapies, and duration of therapy.
  • To outline secondary prophylaxis and indications for surgical intervention.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on invasive aspergillosis treatment.
  • Analysis of therapeutic responses across different host groups.
  • Evaluation of novel drug formulations and combination therapies.

Main Results:

  • Therapeutic response rates for invasive aspergillosis vary significantly among patient populations.
  • Newer formulations of amphotericin B show reduced toxicity but their enhanced therapeutic index requires further investigation.
  • Oral itraconazole may not achieve adequate serum levels in critically ill patients.

Conclusions:

  • Effective management of invasive aspergillosis requires careful consideration of host factors and drug limitations.
  • Combination therapies and surgical intervention are crucial components of treatment for specific manifestations.
  • Further research is needed to optimize therapeutic strategies and improve outcomes for invasive aspergillosis.

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