Vásquez-del Mercado E, Arenas R

Language: Spanish
References: 12
Page: 131-133
PDF size: 37.70 Kb.

ABSTRACT

Opportunistic infections affect immunosupressed patients with basic defense mechanisms dysfunction. An increment in those of fungal etiology has been noted. Among the factors responsible for the epidemiology changes are: a documented elevation in the susceptible population; increased number of patients living with HIV, cancer, organ transplantation or autoimmune diseases who have also achieved longer survival rates, although therapies can be even more immunosuppressant than the disease itself. In risk patients, invasive procedures open an entry for opportunistic fungi. Another important factor is the abuse of antimicrobial and antifungal prophylactic therapies. Many fungi are capable of causing opportunistic infections, but the most common pathogens are those from the genus Candida and Aspergillus. Nowadays, advanced laboratory techniques make it easy to cultivate, isolate and identify the pathogenic fungal agents. Risk factors may not be preventable or eliminated, so patients at greater risk must be protected. However, issues like the type of patient, the antifungal drug or the ideal moment for prophylactic therapy still need to be defined.

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