Title:Diagnosis and Treatment of Pulmonary Fungal Infections in Critically Ill Patients
Volume: 8
Issue: 3
Author(s): Rosemary A. Barnes
Affiliation:
Keywords:
Aspergillus, ICU, Pneumocystis, pulmonary infection, Pneumocystis, Aspergillus, endemic mycoses, chronic disease, allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis
Abstract: Fungi are relatively rare causes of pulmonary infection and outside areas of endemic mycoses, infections are
mainly opportunist caused by Pneumocystis and Aspergillus species. Invasive aspergillosis may be an undiagnosed
problem in critically ill patients particularly those with end stage of lung and liver failure. The attributable mortality and
impact of antifungal treatment are unknown. A raised index of clinical suspicion should lead to antigen testing on
respiratory specimens from selected critical care patients to aid in earlier diagnosis. The high negative predictive value can
be used to exclude diagnosis.