[Therapy of systemic mycoses in immunodeficiency]

Abstract

Fungal infections have gained importance recently. The major reason for this is the increasing number of patients with immunodeficiency. Systemic treatment of invasive fungal infections up to now has been based on relatively few antimycotic agents (amphotericin B, flucytosine, as well as the azole derivatives fluconazole and itraconazole). Only a few number of fungi cause the majority of opportunistic fungal infections. Candida albicans leads to severe mucosal infections in cases of immunodeficiency. Systemic mycoses usually present as endogenous infections or are caused by an infected central venous catheter with dissemination into multiple organs. Less severe candida infections should be treated with fluconazole. A more severe candida infection still requires treatment with amphotericin B plus flucytosine. Aspergillus fumigatus, a ubiquitous mold, is the most frequent pathogen in patients with granulocytopenia. First choice treatment also is amphotericin B and flucytosine; treatment should be started despite lacking proof of pathogen in patients with immunodeficiency and typical clinical signs. Itraconazole, the azole derivative active against aspergillus, may be administered only in mild cases of aspergillus infections in immunocompromised patients. Infections with Cryptococcus neoformans, which hardly ever occur, have been observed frequently in AIDS patients. The manifestation of cryptococcosis mainly presents as chronical meningitis. Presently various treatment concepts are being clinically tested. An initial combination of amphotericin B, flucytosine, and fluconazole, followed by long-term treatment with fluconazole, is recommended.