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Systemic Fungal Infections

Description

Systemic fungal infections or systemic mycoses occur when fungi enter the body and infect the internal organs especially the respiratory system. Fungi spread into the body via the bloodstream and cause malfunctioning of the organs leading to organ failure and death. There are two types of systemic fungal infections:

 

  • Systemic fungal infection due to primary pathogens
  • Systemic fungal infection due to opportunistic pathogens.
Causes
  1. Primary pathogens:
  • Histoplasma capsulatum
  • Coccidioides immitis 
  • Blastomyces dermatitidis 
  • Paracoccidioides brasiliensis
  • Penicillium marneffei.

 

  1. Opportunistic pathogens:

Organisms that infect the patient only when their immune system is compromised are:

  • Candida 
  • Aspergillus
  • Cryptococcus
  • Zygomycetes
Risk factors

Factors that increase your risk of developing systemic fungal infections include:

 

  • HIV infection
  • Low levels of neutrophils
  • Immunosuppressive therapy
  • Cancer
  • Major surgery
  • Increased age
  • Children.
Symptoms

General Symptoms:

  • High temperature
  • Cough
  • Decreases appetite

 

Symptoms related to lungs:

  • Shortness of breath
  • Dry cough
  • Coughing up blood
  • Fever

 

Symptoms related to brain:

  • Headache
  • Seizures
  • Loss of movement control

 

Symptoms related to bone:

  • Fever
  • Pain in bones

 

Symptoms related to eyes:

  • Pain
  • Redness
  • Visual disturbances
  • Blurred vision.
Diagnosis

Diagnosing fungal infection is a challenge since the symptoms are very similar to other conditions. However, a doctor will take a detailed history of any lung disease in the family, traveling to any specific endemic areas in previous months or an existing medical condition that is affecting the immunity.

Additionally, following diagnostic tests will help detect a fungal infection:

  • Microscopic examination of Sputum culture and stains.
  • Histopathology of sputum or sometimes needle biopsy
  • Serologic tests include measuring organism-specific antigen and serum beta-glucan.
Management

The goal of management is to control infection and avoid organ failure. It includes:

 

  • Management of Immunosuppression: Necessary measures should be taken to reverse immunosuppression, which includes: treatment of underlying conditions and avoiding immunosuppressive therapy.

 

  • Medicines:
  1. Amphotericin B
  2. Fluconazole
  3. Itraconazole
  4. Voriconazole
  5. Caspofungin
When to consult a doctor?

It is advised that you see a doctor if you face symptoms related to a fungal infection because systemic fungal infections are medical emergencies which have high mortality rates, especially if appropriate therapy is delayed.

Available Medicine for Systemic Fungal Infections

Anfotericina FADA 50mg

Rs.750

Medinet