Fungal Pneumonia in Patients with Hematologic Malignancies and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation

Abstract

Invasive fungal infections, which occur primarily as a consequence of prolonged neutropenia and immunosuppression, are a life-threatening complication seen among patients with hematologic malignancies. The routine use of triazole antifungal prophylaxis, enhanced diagnostics, and newer antifungal agents have led to improvements in the care of fungal pneumonias, but invasive fungal infections remain a major cause of morbidity and mortality. This article covers risk factors for major fungal infections, diagnostic approaches, and treatment options for specific fungal pathogens, including Aspergillus and Mucorales species, and discusses current approved strategies for prevention of common and uncommon fungal pneumonias.

Keywords: Antifungal; Aspergillosis; Filamentous; Fungal; Mucorales; Pneumonia; Prophylaxis; Zygomycoses.