Candidiasis of the lungs

Candidiasis of the lungs - damage to the bronchi and lungs, caused by yeast-like fungi of the genus Candida.

Etiology, pathogenesis. Candida fungi - saprophytes, which live on the skin and mucous membranes of a person, have a pathogenic effect when immuno-biological defense of the organism is weakened (with chronic diseases, beriberi, long-term antibiotic intake, immunosuppressants). Candidiasis of the lungs is a secondary disease that occurs against the background of bacterial and viral pneumonia, tuberculosis, suppuration, deep granulocytopenia; Characterized by tenacious pneumonic foci with necrosis in the center and fibrinous effusion in the alveoli that surround the necrosis zone. The bronchus wall may also necrotize. The outcome of the disease is the formation of purulent cavities or pulmonary fibrosis.

Symptoms, course. Fever, shortness of breath, tachycardia, chest pain, excruciating cough with the allocation of sparse mucous sputum, sometimes with blood veins, bronchospastic syndrome. X-rays show spotted shadows, more intense areas of darkening, less often pleural effusion. The diagnosis is confirmed by the detection of budding cells and mycelium of fungi in sputum, feces, urine, growth of fungi in planting on special media.

Treatment. Nystatin - 4 000 000-6 000 000 units / day inside by repeated 10-14-day courses with an interval of 2-3 weeks; Levorin - 1,500,000 units / day with repeated 10-12-day courses with an interval between them of 5-7 days; Amfothericin B IV for 4-6 hours in a single dose of 250 U / kg (daily dose not more than 1000 units / kg) every other day or 2-3 times a week for 4-8 weeks, the total exchange dose 1 500 000-2 000 000 units; Amphoglucamine (water-soluble amphotericin B) 200,000 units 2 times a day for 14 days - 4 weeks; Mycoheptin 0.25 g 2 times a day orally for 10-14 days. Prescribe drugs of iodine, vitamins C and group B, other fortifying agents.