Strategies to prevent or reduce fungal infection:
- Reduce exposure to and acquisition
of pathogen
- Suppress colonization
- Avoid/limit invasive procedures
- Enhance host defense
Infection-control methods in the hospital setting are of paramount importance to prevent the spread of nosocomial infections. Environmental issues such as exposure to dust, especially from building construction, and use of air filters are crucial to prevent acquisition of exogenous organisms such as Aspergillus. Hand washing minimizes the spread of endogenous organisms such as Candida. Suppression of colonization using antifungal agents such as nystatin, clotrimazole, fluconazole, and ketoconazole has had only limited success. These agents have limited activity against Aspergillus and nonalbicans Candida species and may select for the latter. Prophylaxis with low-dose AmB can be given with little nephrotoxicity, but consistent benefit to prevent infection has not been demonstrated.
Course Number: V035B.043001
This CME Expires on July 1, 2003; no tests will be accepted after this date.
This course is accredited by
The University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Center for Continuing Education
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