ANTIFUNGAL PROPHYLAXIS TO PREVENT INVASIVE MYCOSES AMONG BONE-MARROW TRANSPLANTATION RECIPIENTS

We reviewed the effect of systemic, intranasal, and lipid formulations of amphotericin B, fluconazole, itraconazole for antifungal prophylax is, Specifically we reviewed the effect of antifungal prophylaxis on t he development of fungal colonization, frequency of superficial and in vasive mycosis, and overall mortality and that due to invasive mycoses in bone marrow transplantation recipients. A MEDLINE search was condu cted to identify literature describing the risk factors, epidemiology, and chemoprophylaxis of invasive mycosis in these patients. Prelimina ry data published as abstracts at national infectious diseases and hem atology conferences within the last 5 years were included. Antifungal prophylaxis reduces fungal colonization and superficial infection. The ability of antifungal prophylaxis to prevent systemic infection or re duce the need for empiric amphotericin B depends on specific variables . Ultimately, antifungal prophylaxis has no affect on overall mortalit y, and very little impact on mortality attributed to fungi.