Combat-Related Invasive Fungal Wound Infections

Histopathological techniques for the diagnosis of combat-related invasive fungal wound infections

BACKGROUND Effective management of trauma-related invasive fungal wound infections (IFIs) depends on early diagnosis and timely initiation of treatment. We evaluated the utility of routine staining, histochemical stains and frozen section for fungal element identification. METHODS A total of 383 histopathological specimens collected from 66 combat-injured United States military personnel with...

U.S. Combat-related Invasive Fungal Wound Infection (IFI) Epidemiology and Wound Microbiology: Afghanistan Theater 2009–2014

Invasive mold infections following combat-related injuries.

BACKGROUND Major advances in combat casualty care have led to increased survival of patients with complex extremity trauma. Invasive fungal wound infections (IFIs) are an uncommon, but increasingly recognized, complication following trauma that require greater understanding of risk factors and clinical findings to reduce morbidity. METHODS The patient population includes US military personnel...

Glucocorticoids and invasive fungal infections.

Since the 1990s, opportunistic fungal infections have emerged as a substantial cause of morbidity and mortality in profoundly immunocompromised patients. Hypercortisolaemic patients, both those with endogenous Cushing's syndrome and, much more frequently, those receiving exogenous glucocorticoid therapy, are especially at risk of such infections. This vulnerability is attributed to the complex ...

Vaccines for invasive fungal infections

Morbidity and mortality from invasive fungal infections remain unacceptably high despite availability of new antifungal agents, underscoring the need for more effective preventative strategies. Due to our enhanced understanding of the host defense and pathogenetic mechanisms that lead to invasive fungal infections, it should be feasible to develop vaccines targeting these infections. A common i...