Topical Fungi

Fungal infections of the nails remain prevalent, and the demand for treatment has increased as safer drugs have been developed. A factor that limits this treatment is the refusal of many health insurance companies to reimburse for these medications, which are expensive and must be used for an extended period. Infections of the nails are generally impervious to superficial treatment. Ciclopirox (Penlac) is a new topical medication that is effective for skin and nail infections; however, it is expensive (see Chapter 13).

Some tinea infections require systemic treatment. Tinea capitis (most commonly caused by Trichophyton tonsurans) usually requires systemic treatment. Tinea corporis (usually caused by T. rubrum) usually responds to topical therapy but may require systemic treatment. Tinea versicolor is caused by Malassezia furfur (also known as Pityrosporum orbiculare) and frequently requires systemic treatment.

Candida albicans is part of the normal flora of the mouth, vagina, and feces of most people. Overgrowth of candida organisms causes mucosal candidiasis, which may affect the mouth, esophagus, and vulvovagina. It is also frequently found on the skin, especially in skin folds. Vulvovaginal candida is discussed in Chapter 58. Topical candida is discussed in Chapter 13. Risk factors for invasive candidiasis (i.e., fungemia and endocarditis) include neutropenia, recent surgery, broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy, indwelling catheters (IV or bladder), and immunodeficiency. HIV infection should be suspected if the patient has invasive candidiasis.

Endemic Mycoses

The primary care provider should be aware of endemic fungal infections in rural and regional populations and should maintain a high index of suspicion. Some types of diagnostic cytology, such as skin scraping smears, are inexpensive and are easily done in the outpatient setting. Most of these fungi do not result in systemic infection in immunocompetent persons. Individuals who are immunocompromised, especially those with HIV, are at higher risk for infection. Other groups at risk include infants, young children, and the elderly. Although many fungal species have been identified, only the most common are discussed here.

Endemic mycoses are fungi that cause disease in healthy hosts. Infection is caused by inhalation of the organism from the environment during the mold phase. The clinical presentation is generally a nonspecific or atypical pulmonary infection. Many fungi are associated with geographic regions, and these patterns assist clinicians in making a clinical diagnosis. However, because many individuals travel, this information has become less reliable. The severity of disease depends on the amount inhaled and the immune response of the patient.

Histoplasmosis is caused by Histoplasma capsulatum, which is prevalent in eastern and central United States. It can be found in bird droppings and bat exposure along river valleys, especially the Ohio and Mississippi River valleys. Locations with a large bat population and many flocks of birds are more likely to be affected. It is common to find human infection in these areas. Most cases are asymptomatic or mild and go unrecognized. More severe infections present as atypical pneumonia. Progressive disseminated infections can be severe and may be fatal. Severe symptoms include marked prostration, fever, dyspnea, and loss of weight.

Coccidioidomycosis is caused by Coccidioides immitis, a mold that grows in soil in arid regions of southwestern United States, Mexico, and Central and South America. Few immunocompetent people get these infections, but among those who do, chronic pulmonary disease or death may occur. Clinical findings include respiratory tract symptoms with fever, chills, and arthralgia.

Blastomycosis is caused by Blastomyces dermatitidis. It is endemic to the south-central states that border the Mississippi and Ohio River basins, southeastern and midwestern United States, and Canada. Infection occurs primarily in healthy individuals during occupational or recreational contact with soil from streams and rivers. Although many may be asymptomatic, disseminated infection can cause lesions on the lungs, skin, and bones, and in the urogenital system. Patients may have primarily cutaneous symptoms, including papules, nodules, or plaques.

Pneumocystosis is caused by Pneumocystis jiroveci. This fungus is found in the lungs of many domesticated and wild mammals and is distributed worldwide in humans. It seldom causes illness in immunocompetent people. It causes an acute pneumonia in premature or debilitated infants in hospitals and underdeveloped countries, as well as in older children and adults who have weakened cellular immune systems, most commonly HIV. It is a frequent cause of death in patients with AIDS.

Cryptococcosis is caused by Cryptococcus neoformans, a yeast that is found worldwide in soil and in dried pigeon dung. It is acquired by inhalation. Immunocompetent people rarely develop clinically apparent pneumonia. Progressive lung disease and dissemination occur in patients with immunodeficiency, including HIV.

Aspergillosis is caused by Aspergillus fumigatus. The fungus can be found in soil and decaying vegetation and may invade items of food and water. This fungus often colonizes in burn eschar and detritus in the external ear canal. Clinical symptoms include bronchospasm and pulmonary infiltrates. It can become invasive, again most commonly in patients who are immunocompromised, such as those with HIV.