Respiratory infections: fungal infections.

ABSTRACT

Fungal infections cause pneumonia but are less common than bacterial or viral etiologies; therefore, fungal infections often are diagnosed late and can be lethal in a small percentage of cases. Although traditionally thought to affect mostly individuals with impaired immunity, fungal infections also occur in immunocompetent individuals and can be severe, even in the latter group. Important advances in the diagnosis and management of fungal infections have occurred in the past decade. Obtaining a detailed history is critical because many fungal infections are associated with specific activities, geographic locations, and environmental exposures. Newer diagnostic methods such as galactomannan antigen testing, polymerase chain reaction, and breath testing are used increasingly in the diagnosis of fungal infections. Newer azole antibiotics also are available to manage these infections.