Diagnosis of invasive fungal infection

Abstract EN

During the last decade, the increased in cases of fungemia have resulted from greater numbers of immunocompromised patients, the widespread use of invasive medical devices, and use of broad-spectrum antibiotics.

Mortality rates range from 38% to 100%, and early diagnosis is critical.

The most common of invasive fungal infections are Candida spp.

and aspergillums spp.

(1-5) Despite recognition of the clinical importance of invasive fungal infections these infections remain difficult to diagnose and treat.

In the last decade, the clinical diagnosis has been enhanced by the recognition of clinical presentations and the definition of several major independent risk factors.

Likewise, the laboratory diagnosis has been improved by blood culture methods and by developments in the areas of serologic and molecular diagnostic testing.

(1,6-10).