BOF: Malignant (Supportive Care)

Antibiotic use and increased eligibility for haematopoietic stem cell transplantation may have contributed to

increasing incidence of invasive fungal infection (IFI) over the past two decades. Which ONE of the following microorganisms responsible for autopsy-proven IFI has REDUCED in incidence while the others have increased?

a) Aspergillus species

b) Candida albicans

c) Candida glabrata

d) Fusarium species

e) Zygomycetes species

The Answer Is:

Candida albicans

Explanation:

The use of fluconazole prophylaxis is most likely behind the relative reduction in C. albicans invasive fungal infections while other organisms account for a greater proportion of cases.

Reference:

Halpern AB, Lyman GH, Walsh TJ et al. Primary antifungal prophylaxis during curative-intent therapy for acute myeloid leukemia. Blood Dec 2015, 126 (26) 2790-2797