InvasIve Fungal InFectIons: When to suspect and hoW to Manage?

There has been a considerable increase in the incidence of invasive fungal infections in clinical practice. Since invasive fungal infections are associated with very high mortality, a high degree of suspicion is required for early diagnosis which is crucial for successful outcome. Prolonged use of broad spectrum antibiotics, cancer chemotherapy, transplant immunosuppression and overall increase in the population of immune-compromised hosts are all contributing to the increasing prevalence of fungal infections. Awareness about these settings coupled with better diagnostics is ushering in a new era in the management of fungal infections. Molecular diagnostics, in-vitro susceptibility tests and availability of better, effective and less toxic anti-fungals have all helped in devising new treatment strategies. This review includes diagnosis and management of commonly encountered fungi like Candida, Cryptococcus, Aspergillus and Mucor. A summary of their clinical manifestations, diagnosis and management is given in Table 1.