Rare Fungal Infections in Children An Updated Rev

Authors: Zoi Dorothea Pana Katerina Vikelouda Emmanuel Roilides

Publish Date: 2014/01/18

Volume: 8, Issue: 1, Pages: 21-36

PDF Link

Abstract

An increasing trend of reports of rare fungal diseases has been observed to be mainly associated with the substantial increase of highrisk immunocompromised children as well as with the selective pressure of antifungal drugs On the other hand recent reports have shown that several species of these rare fungi may also cause infections in immunocompetent children without obvious underlying conditions The clinical spectrum of these infections and most importantly their outcome varies greatly implying for a rather heterogenic group of pediatric infections Various types of superficial and subcutaneous fungal infections as well as systemic and disseminated lifethreatening infections have been reported Prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment of rare fungal diseases in children remains a great challenge Several treatment options have been used ranging from localized to combination treatment with extensive surgical excision and longterm antifungal therapy We review contemporary data of rare fungal infections in pediatric patients focusing on epidemiology mycology management and outcome published during the last three yearsE Roilides has received a speaker honorarium from Gilead Cephalon Pfizer Wyeth Schering Astellas and Aventis his institution has received research grants from Pfizer Gilead Enzon and Schering money for consultancy from Schering Gilead Astellas Pfizer and Merck

Keywords: