Related Experiment Videos
Cutaneous manifestations of systemic mycoses
1Laboratory Corporation of America, Burlington, North Carolina, USA.
Dermatologic Clinics
|January 1, 1996
Summary
Systemic fungal diseases, like Blastomycosis and Coccidioidomycosis, stem from inhaling fungi. Cutaneous lesions can indicate disseminated disease requiring antifungal therapy.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Dermatology
Background:
- Systemic fungal diseases originate in the lungs following inhalation of dimorphic fungal pathogens.
- Primary cutaneous fungal infections are rare, typically resulting from direct fungal implantation.
- Cutaneous manifestations can signal disseminated disease, necessitating systemic antifungal treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the characteristics and management of systemic fungal diseases with cutaneous manifestations.
- To emphasize the importance of accurate diagnosis for effective treatment.
Main Methods:
- Review of literature on systemic dimorphic fungal pathogens and their clinical presentations.
- Discussion of diagnostic approaches including histopathology and culture.
Main Results:
- Inhalation is the primary route for systemic fungal infections, often presenting as pulmonary disease.
- Cutaneous lesions can be associated with acute primary infection (e.g., erythema nodosum) or disseminated disease.
- Accurate diagnosis is crucial as cutaneous manifestations often require systemic antifungal therapy.
Conclusions:
- Systemic fungal infections primarily affect the lungs but can manifest in the skin.
- Cutaneous lesions are frequently indicative of disseminated disease requiring prompt and appropriate antifungal treatment.
- A thorough clinical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests are essential for managing these infections.