Chapter 13. Antifungal Agents

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses essential aspects of the history, pathological diagnosis and physiology, mycological aspects, host response, serology, treatment, clinical manifestation, and laboratory diagnosis of human aspergillosis, and the more recent topic of aflatoxins. The superinfections most commonly seen in illicit drug users are discussed followed by commonly seen fungal infections such as candidiasis and aspergillosis. The role of the radiologist in the diagnosis of opportunistic pulmonary fungal infections and their symptoms are discussed. The chapter also discusses specific fungal infections that include phycomycosis, aspergillosis, and nocardiosis. Chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis in immunosuppressed patients and patients with genetically determined diseases is reviewed; treatment with immunoreconstitution, 5-FC, clotrimazole or amphotericin B is discussed. The combination of immunoreconstitution, drug therapy, the importance of iron deficiency and other nutritional factors are also discussed followed by a review of clinical aspects of the mycotoxicoses in man and animals.