Overview of fungal infections in cancer patients.

TL;DRAbstract

Because fungal infection is a significant factor that determines the morbidity and the mortality of many patients with cancer, it is essential to understand the various predisposing defects that lead to such infections. These defects may be categorized into two broad areas: immune defects and mechanical defects. Among the immune defects and the fungal organisms that take advantage of them are: neutropenia, absolute neutrophil count less than 1,000/microL, (Candida, Aspergillus, Mucor, Rhizopus, Trichosporon, and Fusarium species); and T-cell defects or impaired cell-mediated immunity (Candida, Cryptococcus neoformans, Histoplasma capsulatum, Coccidioides immitis, and Aspergillus species). Mechanical defects and the fungal organisms associated with them include: disruption of the natural barrier of the skin, including catheterization of urinary, venous, and arterial systems (Candida and Rhodotorula species); interruption of a natural barrier, ie, the mucous membranes of the gastrointest

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