Opportunistic fungal infections: filamentous fungi and cryptococcosis

Geriatrics. 1997 Oct;52(10):40-2, 47-9.

Abstract

Older patients with diabetes mellitus or pulmonary diseases and those receiving immunosuppressive drugs are at an increased risk of infection with environmentally-acquired, opportunistic fungal diseases. Aspergillus most often produces invasive pulmonary or sinus infection in severely immuno-compromised patients. Chronic necrotizing pulmonary and sino-orbital aspergillosis present subacutely and are often misdiagnosed. Mucormycosis classically presents with rhinocerebral disease in diabetic patients with ketoacidosis, whereas pulmonary infection mimics invasive pulmonary aspergillosis and occurs mostly in patients who are neutropenic. Cryptococcal meningitis in the older patient may manifest simply as confusion. Amphotericin B is the preferred initial treatment for all three fungal infections.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Amphotericin B / therapeutic use
  • Antifungal Agents / therapeutic use
  • Aspergillosis* / diagnosis
  • Aspergillosis* / therapy
  • Cryptococcosis* / diagnosis
  • Cryptococcosis* / therapy
  • Fluconazole / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Mucormycosis* / diagnosis
  • Mucormycosis* / therapy
  • Opportunistic Infections* / diagnosis
  • Opportunistic Infections* / therapy

Substances

  • Antifungal Agents
  • Amphotericin B
  • Fluconazole