PREVENTION OF FUNGAL-INFECTIONS IN HEMATOLOGY PATIENTS

Endogenous infections such as candidiasis can be minimized by oral flu conazole prophylaxis, although oral or intravenous amphotericin, or it raconazole, are suitable for certain patients. Exogenous fungal infect ions most commonly are transmitted by the airborne route, but the bene fits of high-efficiency particulate air-filtered room air probably are diminishing as broad-spectrum prophylaxis against Aspergillus species and other fungi improves. However, high-risk environmental sources su ch as construction work always must be avoided near neutropenic patien ts. Reactivation of quiescent pulmonary Aspergillus infection can be p revented by surgical resection during remission, or by systemic amphot ericin prophylaxis during subsequent neutropenic episodes.