FUNGAL-INFECTIONS ASSOCIATED WITH MALIGNANCIES, TREATMENTS, AND AIDS

Severe fungal infections have become increasingly common over the past 10 years, largely due to the greater number of immunocompromised pati ents, such as those infected with HIV and those undergoing immunosuppr essive therapy for malignancies. Between 60% and 80% of people with AI DS, for example, develop at least one fungal infection. Other predispo sing factors for these infections include mechanical defects such as i ndwelling catheters, surgery, and burns. Candidiasis, aspergillosis, c ryptococcoses, coccidioidomycosis, and histoplasmosis are among the fu ngal infections most commonly encountered in the clinical setting. Dia gnosis is often elusive and treatment difficult. Amphotericin B has be en the standard therapy for most life-threatening fungal infections fo r almost three decades but has significant drawbacks, including severe adverse reactions. Other systemic antifungal agents have proved usefu l in certain situations. Fluconazole, a new broad-spectrum agent, has shown particular promise in the treatment of candidiasis and cryptococ cal meningitis.