Fungal pulmonary infections: the conservative approach,

Invasive fungal infections have increased worldwide and represent a threat for immunocompromised patients, including those who are HIV infected, recipients of solid organ and stem cell transplants, and patients receiving immunosuppressive therapies. High mortality rates and difficulties in early diagnosis characterise pulmonary fungal infections. In this chapter, invasive pulmonary aspergillosis, cryptococcosis and Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia have been reviewed, focusing on clinical aspects and therapeutic management. Although new compounds have become available in recent years (e.g. amphotericin B lipid formulations, third-generation azoles and echinocandins), new diagnostic tools and careful therapeutic management are mandatory to ensure an early appropriate targeted treatment, which is the key to a successful conservative approach in respiratory fungal infections.