Emerging fungal pathogens in patients with hematologic malignancies and marrow/stem-cell transplant recipients

Semin Respir Infect. 2002 Jun;17(2):113-20. doi: 10.1053/srin.2002.33446.

Abstract

Fungal infections are a major cause of morbidity and mortality among patients with hematologic malignancies and recipients of bone-marrow/hematopoietic stem-cell transplants. Although Candida and Aspergillus species remain the most common fungal pathogens, multiple unusual fungal pathogens are being increasingly recognized as a cause of infection in these patients. Many of these rare fungal infections have a characteristic clinical disease spectrum. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment of these infections is the key to a successful outcome. In this article, we summarize the epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical features, and approach to the management of infections caused by Fusarium, Zygomycetes, Scedosporium, Trichosporon, Malassezia, Alternaria, Paecilomyces, and Penicillium.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Bone Marrow Transplantation*
  • Hematologic Neoplasms / complications*
  • Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation*
  • Humans
  • Mycoses / complications*
  • Opportunistic Infections / complications*