What is invasive fungal disease?
Invasive candidiasis is an infection caused by a yeast (a type of fungus) called Candida. Unlike Candida infections in the mouth and throat (also called “thrush”) or vaginal “yeast infections,” invasive candidiasis is a serious infection that can affect the blood, heart, brain, eyes, bones, and other parts of the body.
What is a fungal disease definition?
A fungal infection, also called mycosis, is a skin disease caused by a fungus. There are millions of species of fungi. They live in the dirt, on plants, on household surfaces, and on your skin. Sometimes, they can lead to skin problems like rashes or bumps.
What causes most invasive fungal diseases in hospitals?
What are hospital-acquired fungal infections? True to their name, hospital-acquired fungal (mold) infections are caused by opportunistic fungi that are dangerous to patients who are immunocompromised — whether from surgery, disease or immunosuppressant medications such as chemotherapy.
Who are at risk for invasive fungal infections?
Risk factors are diverse and include haematological malignancy, neutropenia, age <1 month or >65 years, and recent abdominal surgery.
How are fungal invasive infections diagnosed?
Definitive diagnosis of invasive fungal disease relies on microbiological and histological methods. New serologic methods including Aspergillus galactomannan antigen detection test and 1,3-β-d-glucan antigen detection test are now utilized in supporting the early diagnosis of probable invasive fungal disease.
How does fungus enter the body?
Fungi reproduce by spreading microscopic spores. These spores are often present in the air and soil, where they can be inhaled or come into contact with the surfaces of the body, primarily the skin. Consequently, fungal infections usually begin in the lungs or on the skin.
Who is having higher risk of fungal infection?
Women who are pregnant or those who have weakened immune systems also are more likely to get this condition. Men also can get genital candidiasis. Are you taking any medicine that affects your immune system? Medicine that weakens your immune system may increase the chance of getting a fungal infection.