Fungal Infections in Immunocompromised Hosts

In addition, Candida albicans has a cAMP-dependent pathway such as the Efg1 transcription factor that controls and regulates its morphogenesis. This species also secretes the pathogenic factors phospholipases A, B and C, which hydrolyze and proteolytically destroy many host factors and promote attachment and penetration to the host. Thus, increased fungal infections are found in immune deficient hosts, primarily HIV and cancer patients. More research is needed to reduce the mortality and morbidity caused by this yeast pathogen.

Invasive fungal infections (IFI) are associated with significant morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised patients, particularly in patients with long-term neutropenia, hematologic malignancies, and graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) I will. Patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and solid receptor patient organ transplantation (SOT) and immunosuppressive therapy. Fungal infections frequently diagnosed in these high-risk patients include candidiasis, aspergillosis, cryptococcosis, coccidioidomycosis and other endemic fungi. Compared to similar patients without IFI, IFI patients had significantly higher mortality rates (up to 28.6% vs. 5%), longer hospital stay (18.7 days for 3 days), and higher hospital costs ($ 15,445 It was $ 44,726 for it). . (1, 2)

Mucormycosis is an acute, sometimes rapid, and even deadly fungal infection that can occur in patients with low immune function, especially burns. Primary lesions are plaque, ulcers and abscesses that may ulcerate and then necrosis and form the skin, or painful freckle nodules. Diagnosis was confirmed by demonstrating the fungal component released to black in the KOH formulation and by culturing on standard laboratory medium. Skin anthrax is caused by skin contact with Bacillus anthracis (Gram positive bacteria). Skin anthrax develops from itchy papules to ulcerative wounds in 1 or 2 days and then enters the black crusts in the next week or so. Regional lymph node swelling may be related. Special staining on wound exudate and discovery of cultures is diagnostic

Nosocomial infection, along with more common opportunists, is a field of interest as there are many new opportunistic fungal pathogens in these environments. This is even more important due to the increased number of immunocompromised patients in hospital settings and the use of artificial surfaces that disrupt the skin barrier such as plastic intravenous injection lines. This is especially true for patients with candidaemia, where intravenous administration is the most common route to the host (Verduyn et al. 1999).