Antifungals for invasive fungal infections

• What factors increase the risk of invasive fungal infections?

  Immunocompromised state, cancer, and broad-spectrum antibiotics
• Which fungus is specifically mentioned in the study material?

  Aspergillus fumigatus
• What type of organism is Aspergillus fumigatus?

  It is a filamentous mold that grows on organic matter
• How are Aspergillus spores introduced into the body?

  They are inhaled
• What happens to Aspergillus spores in healthy individuals compared to immunosuppressed individuals?

  Spores are removed if healthy, but may not be removed if immunosuppressed
• What is the consequence of Aspergillus spores invading and affecting neutrophils?

  They cause damage in the lungs and can spread
• What type of organism is Candida?

  It is a yeast
• What is a notable characteristic of Candida regarding temperature?

  It can grow up to $42^\circ C$
• What are the types of antifungal agents mentioned?

  Azoles, echinocandins, polyenes, and nucleoside analogues
• What do azoles inhibit in fungal cells?

  They inhibit the synthesis of ergosterol
• What is the mechanism of action of amphotericin B?

  It creates pores in the fungal membrane
• When is amphotericin B typically used?

  For severe systemic infections
• What does the inhibition of $β-glucan synthase$ lead to?


  It causes cell wall disruption in fungi
• What are the key antifungal agents and their mechanisms of action?

  • Azoles: Inhibit ergosterol synthesis
  • Echinocandins: Inhibit $β-glucan$ synthesis
  • Polyenes: Create pores in the fungal membrane
  • Nucleoside analogues: Disrupt nucleic acid synthesis