Treatment of endemic mycoses

Abstract

The endemic mycoses are a diverse group of diseases caused by thermally dimorphic fungi. While they share many characteristics, each has unique aspects with regards to their clinical course, diagnosis and management. Diagnosis may be difficult and delayed owing to the varied manifestations and wide differential diagnosis. Historically, treatment has been with amphotericin B, which has been limited by its significant toxicity. The advent of the azole class of medications has allowed for safer alternatives to amphotericin B. The azoles have become the mainstay of treatment for many, if not most, forms of these diseases. Guidelines have been released for the management of each of the North American endemic mycoses; however, many questions remain as to the best strategies for the diagnosis and management of various manifestations of these diseases.