Invasive fungal infections and the management in immunocompromised conditions.

Abstract

Invasive fungal infections, being opportunistic, lead to severe disease in immunocompromised hosts with an increase in morbidity and mortality. The most common causative agents include Candida, Mucorales, Aspergillus, Cryptococcus, and Pneumocystis species. The common risk factors associated with invasive fungal infections are uncontrolled diabetes mellitus leading to hyperglycemia, neutropenia, immunosuppressive treatment like corticosteroids, and primary and secondary immunodeficiency disorders, especially acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. Various molecular therapeutic agents used for targeted therapy are also associated with an increase in opportunistic infections as they involve many signaling pathways related to immunity against pathogens. Prompt diagnosis of diseases caused by these invasive fungal infections is necessary because immunosuppression increases the risk of fatality, and treatment should be initiated immediately based on susceptibility and recommendations.