MICR3001 Study Guide - Final Guide: Aspergillus Fumigatus, Species Complex, Voriconazole
Document Summary
It is becoming increasingly apparent that cryptic species are responsible for a large number of fungal infections normally attributed to well-known, geographically-restricted species. Rryptic species often diagnosed as candida albicans: cause similar candidiasis infections, oral thrush, vaginitis, nappy rash, skin/nail infections, utis. Candida infections are most commonly treated with fluconazole: broad spectrum antifungal, unlike c. albicans, c. krusei is intrinsically resistant, should instead be treated with voriconazole. Often diagnosed as aspergillus fumigatus: cause similar appearing aspergillosis, superficial mycoses, angioinvasion, vascular damage. Voriconazole is more effective for a. fumigatus than fluconazole. Often diagnosed as cryptococcus neoformans: cause similar cryptococcosis symptoms, cutaneous infection, respiratory pneumonia, cryptococcal meningoencephalitis (fatal if untreated) C. neoformans generally only infects the immunocompromised: specifically hiv/aids patients. C. gattii can infect everyone: altered geographical distribution, tropics as well as australia and some parts of the u. s. Currently undertermined whether c. gattii responds differently to treatment. Overall, it is therefore important for treatment and patient outcome to start differentiating cryptic species.
