Voriconazole-associated zygomycosis: a significant consequence of evolving antifungal prophylaxis and immunosuppression practices?

Clin Microbiol Infect. 2009 Oct:15 Suppl 5:93-7. doi: 10.1111/j.1469-0691.2009.02988.x.

Abstract

Mucormycosis (zygomycosis) is an uncommon infection that afflicts severely immunocompromised patients and those with poorly controlled diabetes mellitus. A recent increase in the incidence of mucormycosis at many transplant centres has been linked to the introduction and widespread use of voriconazole prophylaxis in these high-risk populations. However, it is not known if this association reflects a true epidemiological link or represents a marker of changing immunosuppression occurring in parallel with the evolution of transplant practices and immunosuppression strategies.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antifungal Agents / adverse effects*
  • Antifungal Agents / therapeutic use
  • Chemoprevention / methods*
  • Drug Resistance, Fungal
  • Humans
  • Immunocompromised Host
  • Mucorales / drug effects*
  • Mucormycosis / etiology*
  • Pyrimidines / adverse effects*
  • Pyrimidines / therapeutic use
  • Transplantation
  • Triazoles / adverse effects*
  • Triazoles / therapeutic use
  • Voriconazole

Substances

  • Antifungal Agents
  • Pyrimidines
  • Triazoles
  • Voriconazole