systemic mycosis

Systemic mycoses are fungal infections that affect internal organs, such as the lungs, gut, and paranasal sinuses [1]. These infections occur when fungi enter the body through various means, including inhalation or ingestion, and then spread to other parts of the body.

Systemic fungal infections can be caused by a variety of fungal pathogens, including dimorphic fungal pathogens like Blastomyces dermatitides and Coccidioides immitis [3]. These infections are often difficult to diagnose and treat due to their complex nature and the fact that they can affect multiple organs simultaneously.

Some common characteristics of systemic mycoses include:

• Infection of internal organs: Systemic fungal infections typically affect organs such as the lungs, gut, and paranasal sinuses [1].
• Difficulty in diagnosis: These infections are often challenging to diagnose due to their complex nature and the fact that they can mimic other conditions [6].
• Impaired host defense mechanisms: Systemic mycoses often occur in individuals with weakened immune systems or impaired host defense mechanisms [4][8].

It's worth noting that systemic fungal diseases, also known as systemic mycosis, are characterized by the entry of a fungal organism into an animal and subsequent spread to various organs, including internal organs [9].

Systemic mycoses are fungal infections that affect internal organs, and their symptoms can vary widely depending on the type of fungus and the severity of the infection.

Common symptoms include:

• Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting [1]
• Respiratory signs such as coughing, increased respiratory rate, and increased respiratory effort [9]
• Skin lesions, abscesses, ulcers, and draining tracts [7][8]
• Rash with superficial infection [8]
• Periorbital swelling, orbital cellulitis, blurred vision or visual loss, proptosis, eyelid gangrene, cranial neuropathies, and other eye-related symptoms [4]

In severe cases:

• Rapidly progressive pneumonia, fungemia, or manifestations of organ failure can occur in severely immunocompromised patients [6]
• Candidiasis, a type of systemic mycosis, can cause symptoms like itching and a visible rash on the skin, as well as joint pain if the infection enters the bloodstream [14]

It's essential to note that:

• The exact symptoms depend on the type of fungus that has caused the infection [3]
• Systemic mycoses can be life-threatening if left untreated or misdiagnosed

If you suspect a fungal infection, especially in your lungs or other internal organs, it is crucial to contact your healthcare provider immediately. They will help determine the best course of action and provide guidance on treatment options.

References: [1] - Context result 1 [3] - Context result 3 [4] - Context result 4 [6] - Context result 6 [7] - Context result 7 [8] - Context result 8 [9] - Context result 9 [14] - Context result 14

Diagnostic Tests for Systemic Mycoses

Systemic mycoses are fungal infections that affect various parts of the body, including the lungs, brain, and other organs. Diagnosing these infections can be challenging, but several diagnostic tests can help confirm the presence of a systemic mycosis.

• Culture Examination: This is considered the standard diagnostic test for systemic mycoses. It involves taking a sample from

Treatment Options for Systemic Mycosis

Systemic mycosis, also known as invasive fungal infections, can be treated with various antifungal medications. The primary goal of treatment is to eliminate the fungus from the body and prevent further complications.

• Polyenes: This class of antifungals includes amphotericin B, which is widely used as a systemic agent for treating systemic mycoses such as aspergillosis and candidosis [9].
• Azoles: Azole antifungals, such as fluconazole, itraconazole, and ketoconazole, have advanced the treatment of systemic mycoses. These drugs are effective against a range of fungal infections, including blastomycosis, coccidioidomycosis, chromomycosis, histoplasmosis, and others [1].
• Echinocandins: This class of antifungals includes drugs such as caspofungin, which is used to treat invasive candidiasis and other systemic fungal infections.
• Other Antifungal Agents: Flucytosine, fluconazole, and voriconazole are also used to treat systemic mycoses. These medications can be administered orally or intravenously [5].

Treatment Approaches

The treatment of systemic mycosis typically involves a combination of antifungal medications and supportive care. The choice of medication depends on the type of fungal infection, the severity of symptoms, and the patient's overall health.

• Invasive Fungal Disease: Amphotericin B and griseofulvin were previously the only systemic therapeutic options for invasive fungal disease until the early 1970s [7].
• Systemic Antifungal Therapy: The primary focus of antifungal therapy is on three classes: polyenes, azoles, and echinocandins. These therapies are effective against a range of systemic mycoses [3].

References

[1] PT McKeny (2023) - Ketoconazole is also a systemic agent, which has approval for treating blastomycosis, coccidioidomycosis, chromomycosis, histoplasmosis, and others.

[2] Jun 29, 2021 - Systemic antifungal drugs are used to treat systemic mycoses which are fungal infections affecting internal organs.

[3] by ACO Souza (2017) - Antifungal therapy for systemic mycosis is basically focused in three classes: polyenes, azoles, and echinocandins (Polvi et al., 2015).

[4] Drugs used to treat Systemic Fungal Infection ; 7.0 ; Generic name: itraconazole systemic; Brand name: Sporanox; Drug class: azole antifungals; For consumers:

[5] by JRA Perea (2004) - At present only three antifungal agents can be administered both orally and intravenously: flucytosine, fluconazole and voriconazole.

[6] by EC Oldfield III (2020)

Differential Diagnosis of Systemic Mycoses

Systemic mycoses, also known as deep-seated fungal infections, can be challenging to diagnose due to their similarity in presentation with other diseases. The differential diagnosis for systemic mycoses includes a range of conditions that may present with similar symptoms.

• Leishmaniasis: This parasitic infection can cause skin lesions and is often considered in the differential diagnosis of systemic mycoses [2, 9].
• Penicillium marneffei infections: Similar to leishmaniasis, Penicillium marneffei infections can also present with skin lesions and are a consideration in the differential diagnosis [2].
• Pulmonary tuberculosis: Systemic mycoses can be mistaken for pulmonary tuberculosis due to similar symptoms such as coughing and chest pain [6].
• Malignancy: Cancer, particularly lymphoma, can be considered in the differential diagnosis of systemic mycoses due to overlapping symptoms [7, 9].
• Sarcoidosis: This autoimmune disease can present with similar symptoms to systemic mycoses, including lung involvement [6].
• Actinomycosis and nocardiosis: These bacterial infections can also be considered in the differential diagnosis of systemic mycoses due to their similarity in presentation [4].

It's essential to consider these conditions when diagnosing systemic mycoses, as a misdiagnosis can lead to inappropriate treatment. A thorough medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests such as imaging studies and laboratory tests are necessary to confirm the diagnosis.

References: [1] Not provided (no relevant information found) [2] Context 2 [3] Not provided (no relevant information found) [4] Context 4 [5] Not provided (no relevant information found) [6] Context 6 [7] Context 9 [8] Not provided (no relevant information found) [9] Context 9