Pharmacotherapy of cryptococcosis.

Abstract

Cryptococcus neoformans is an opportunistic fungal pathogen that causes central nervous system and pulmonary disease among immunocompromised patients. Recent studies highlight the high incidence of cryptococcosis among patients in certain resource-poor areas, where there is also a high incidence of AIDS. Despite the availability of antifungal agents with anticryptococcal activity, the mortality and treatment-failure rates associated with cryptococcosis remain unacceptably high. This article reviews current treatment strategies and the basis for these strategies, as well as prospects for future approaches to the treatment of cryptococcosis.

• Authors: Michele Ritter, David L Goldman
• Journal: Expert opinion on pharmacotherapy (Expert Opin Pharmacother) Vol. 10 Issue 15 Pg. 2433-43 (Oct 2009) ISSN: 1744-7666 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 19708853 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)

Chemical References

• Antifungal Agents

Topics

• AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections (drug therapy, microbiology)
• Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (complications)
• Animals
• Antifungal Agents (therapeutic use)
• Clinical Trials as Topic
• Cryptococcosis (drug therapy, microbiology)
• Cryptococcus neoformans (drug effects, isolation & purification)
• Humans
• Immunocompromised Host
• Opportunistic Infections (drug therapy, microbiology)