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Broth Microdilution In Vitro Screening: An Easy and Fast Method to Detect New Antifungal Compounds
08:54

Broth Microdilution In Vitro Screening: An Easy and Fast Method to Detect New Antifungal Compounds

Published on: February 14, 2018

Treatment of fungal infection in AIDS

S Hood1, D W Denning

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

The Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy
|May 1, 1996
PubMed

Insights

Fungal infections are common in patients with Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), ranging from superficial to life-threatening systemic diseases. Treatment challenges include antifungal resistance, especially in advanced AIDS cases.

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Fungal infections are prevalent in Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) patients, manifesting as superficial, mucosal, or systemic diseases.
  • Superficial and mucosal fungal infections are common and can be difficult to treat, with frequent recurrences.
  • In advanced AIDS, Candida isolates often exhibit in vitro resistance to fluconazole and other azoles, complicating therapy.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the prophylaxis and treatment of various fungal infections in patients with Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS).
  • To highlight the challenges in managing fungal infections, including antifungal resistance and treatment failures.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of fungal infections in Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) patients.
  • Discussion of prophylaxis and treatment strategies for common fungal infections, excluding Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP).

Main Results:

  • Superficial and mucosal fungal infections are more frequent and harder to eradicate in AIDS patients.
  • Systemic fungal infections, though less common, are life-threatening and include Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP), histoplasmosis, coccidioidomycosis, Penicillium marneffei, cryptococcal meningitis, and invasive aspergillosis.
  • Antifungal resistance, particularly to azoles, is a significant issue in advanced AIDS cases.

Conclusions:

  • Effective prophylaxis and treatment are crucial for managing fungal infections in AIDS patients.
  • Antifungal resistance necessitates careful selection of therapeutic agents and consideration of alternative treatment strategies.
  • Further research into novel antifungal therapies and resistance mechanisms is warranted for improved patient outcomes.

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