Paranasal sinus mycosis in suspected fungal sinusitis

Fungal infections of the paranasal sinuses in the immunocompetent patients are being recognized with increasing frequency. Infections are assigned in invasive and noninvasive forms. Materials and methods: In a retrospective study, a total 39 patients with suspected fungal sinusitis were studied for causative fungal.agents between 1994 and 2001 Dinagnosis was confirmed by demonstration of fungi in direct preparations and culture techniques. Samples were biopsy specimens taken from the sinuses or exudates from deep sinus tracts. Paranasal sinuses mycoses were proven in 18 patients, including 12 men and 6 women, their age ranging from 17-58 years. The most frequently isolated organisms were Aspergillus spp. and Candida spp. Paranasal sinuses infections by Cladosporium trichoides [bantianum] and Pseudallescheria boydii are reported for the first time in Iran from Pasteur Institute, Conclusion In our series. Aspergillus flavus has been isolated more frequently than other agents. Keywords: Fungal infecrtion, Paranasal sinuses infection, Sinuses mycoses

Deep-seated fungal infections in immunocompromised patients in Iran

During the last two decades or so, the incidence of fungal infections has increased dramatically. Deep- seated mycoses are creating serious problems for clinicians working with certain populations of patients, such as those with cancer, the immunocompromised, and physiologically compromised. A study of fungal isolated for identification of deep fungal infections, risk factors and etiologic agents in immunocompromised patients was carried out in the section of Medical Mycology, Pasteur Institute of Iran from 1994 to 2001. Seventy one immunosuppressed patients with deep fungal infection were retrospectively analyzed for etiology and risk factors. They had one or more predisposing factors to disseminated fungal infections. Diagnosis was established by demonstration of fungus in direct and cultural examinations. Candida spp. were isolated in 70.4% [39.4% C. albicans and 30.9% non-albincans], and Aspergillus spp. were isolated in 14.1% of cases. The most frequent risk factors were hematologic malignancy [ALL, lymphoma, Hodgkin, multiple myeloma] and diabetes mellitus. This study suggests that in immunocompromised patients, fungal infections especially in saprophytic infections, background evaluation and clinical features, correspondence of clinical symptoms and laboratory examinations should be considered and investigation of other factors which created the infection will lead us to a clear picture of patients' situation