Several drugs can be used to fight the fungus, however, it's best to have an antifungal resistant regimen in place. While the fungus is hard to get rid of, the resulting symptoms are usually non-threatening. Symptoms may be mild or severe, depending on the extent of the infection and how far it travels in the body. The most common form of the cryptococcosis disease involves infection of the lungs, however, it can also affect the brain and urinary tract. A single fungus can spread to multiple organs through the bloodstream, yet, this is rare.
Symptoms of cryptococcosis range from a mild fever to severe
abdominal pain and vomiting. These symptoms usually occur within a few weeks of
the infection, although it can take longer to develop in some patients.
Infection occurs most frequently in AIDS patients, however, cryptococcosis can
also occur in healthy individuals who are unprotected from exposure to the
fungi. These infections can be life-threatening, especially in HIV-infected
individuals who have decreased immunity, and in those who have undergone organ
transplantation.
The best way to find out is by contacting a local medical
clinic or health department for more information. They'll be able to direct the
patient to the appropriate person for further discussion.
The first Cryptococcosis
Treatment is a short
course of oral fluconazole (FDA-approved), which is an antifungal that prevents
the fungi from multiplying. It is a broad-spectrum drug that also works against
other organisms in the body, such as bacteria and viruses.
Other cryptococcosis treatments include amphotericin B and
itraconazole. These medications work by inhibiting the cytochrome P450 enzyme
14a-demethylase, which is a very sensitive enzyme in fungal cells, thus
preventing them from growing and multiplying. These antifungal drugs are
usually used for a few months to cure the infection, however they may need to be
continued long-term in some cases. They may be administered by mouth or by
intravenously, depending on the individual circumstances.
The type of cryptococcosis that one has will determine their
cryptococcosis treatment plan. The two main types of cryptococcosis are C.
neoformans and C. gattii, both of which infect immunocompetent people and can
infect people with reduced immunity. Both are commonly found in the
environment, including pigeon droppings, nesting places and soil, as well as on
certain species of eucalyptus trees. The fungus is often transmitted to humans
through contact with infected animals or from contaminated raw fruits and
vegetables. In February 2022, a team of leading institutions and scientists in
Europe and Africa launched a project to deliver an enhanced formulation of a
treatment for cryptococcal meningitis.
Comments
Post a Comment