Fungal Infections Flashcards
What are the main fungal infections?
Aspergillosis - Aspergillus Fumigatus
Candidiasis - Candida Albicans
Cryptococcosis - Cryptococcus Neoformans
How is Aspergillus transmitted?
Airborne Spores
Aspergillosis has several different presentations, how does Acute Invasive Aspergillosis present?
Neutropenic & post-transplant patients
They are persistently febrile despite abx
Its angioinvasive and may cause thrombosis & haemorrhage
Aspergillosis has several different presentations, how does chronic pulm. Aspergillosis present?
chronic lung disease patient who get an acute exacerbation that unresponsive to abx may be aspergillus.
Aspergillosis has several different presentations, describe Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis?
Usually CF or Asthma patients who acutely deteriorate in lung function & resp symptoms
Aspergillosis has several different presentations, describe a pulmonary aspergilloma?
A non-invasive infection in a pre-existing cavity e.g. post-TB, sarcoid, bronchiectasis or pulm infection.
Aspergillosis has several different presentations, describe influenza associated aspergillosis?
Flu patients who get intubation, oseltamavir, CCS and/or Abx can then develop aspergillosis
Literally just aspergillosis in a patient with Flu
How do you test for aspergillus?
If they’re neutropenic
- CT chest
- PCR
- Bronchoalveolar lavage + biopsy
If not:
- Sputum culture
- Bronchoalveolar Lavage
- Biopsy
How can test for chronic pulmonary or allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis
Blood tests for Aspergillus specific IgG & IgE
How is aspergillus treated?
Voriconazole & Isavuconazole
Who gets candida infection?
Mucocutaneous candiasis:
- Young neonates
- Abx/inhalation steroids
- Primary immunodeficiency disorders
Invasive candidiasis:
- Broad spectrum Abx
- Vascular catheters
- Parenteral nutrition
- Abdo Surgery
How does candidiasis present?
Invasive looks like a bacterial BSI
Mucocutaneous = thrush
How do we test for and treat candidiasis?
Blood culture & PCR
We treat with echinocandins and fluconazole
How does cryptococcosis develop?
Mostly HIV associated:
Starts with a pulm infection that disseminates to the brain causing meningoencephalitis
How is cryptococcus spread?
By inhalation
Its found in some tree bark & bird faeces
