Abstrakt

Endemic mycoses are a group of dimorphic fungi that can cause localized or disseminated disease in both immunocompetent and immunocompromised patients. Infection occurs by inhalation of spores, the diseases thus typically manifest in the lung. The most relevant endemic fungi in respiratory medicine are Coccidioides spp., Blastomyces spp., Histoplasma spp. and Paracoccidioides spp. The clinical picture varies from asymptomatic inoculation and self-limiting upper respiratory infection up to acute respiratory distress syndrome and sepsis. Chronic courses may present with constitutional symptoms and diffuse parenchymal lung disease, such as cavitary lesions and fibrosis. The fungi rely on specific environmental and climatic conditions and are thus restricted to certain parts of the world. Because of clinical similarity to pulmonary tuberculosis, sarcoidosis, other bacterial infections, and malignancy, diagnosis is often delayed, highlighting the importance of thorough anamnesis and specific diagnostic tests. Therapeutic options include oral azoles and intravenous amphotericin B, the latter being used in more severe cases. Prognosis is usually good.

Autoreninformation

Autoren

• L. Lippert

Abteilungen

• Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Fächerverbund für Infektiologie, Pneumologie und Intensivmedizin, Berlin

Adresse

Dr. med. Lena Lippert
Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin
Fächerverbund für Infektiologie, Pneumologie und Intensivmedizin
Charité-Platz 1
10117 Berlin
Email: [email protected]

Citation