Alen Palackic1, Daniel Popp1, Christian Tapking2, Khosrow S Houschyar3, Ludwik K Branski4. 1. Division of Plastic, Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria. 2. Department of Hand, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Burn Trauma Center, BG Trauma Center Ludwigshafen, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany. 3. Clinic of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany. 4. Department of Surgery, Shriners Hospitals for Children, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA.
Abstract
Background: Fungal burn wound infections are among the most devastating complications in patients who are severely burned. Increasing incidence of burn wound infections caused by fungi led to new challenges in diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. The wide use of broad-spectrum antibiotic agents, an increased prevalence of molds and non-Candida albicans spp., and the variety of available antifungal agents underline the importance of identifying the causative species, to initiate adequate therapy within an adequate timeframe. Methods: Review of the pertinent English and German literature. Results: Fungal burn wound infections go along with a delay of identifying the causative fungus species and can be mistaken for early bacterial burn wound infection. Recently, an increase of uncommon fungal pathogens and fungi resistance against antifungal agents has been reported. Amphotericin B and voriconazole remain the antifungal drugs used most commonly. Conclusions: Adequate therapy remains challenging. Early radical debridement and wound closure play an imperative part, particularly in preventing infections caused by yeasts and molds or any other agent. Prophylactic empiric pharmacologic treatment is reserved for those highly at risk for invasive burn wound infection only. Because of the emergence of drug-resistant fungi, the development of new antifungal drugs is essential for the battle against fungal burn wound infections.
Background: Fungal burn wound infections are among the most devastating complications in patients who are severely burned. Increasing incidence of burn wound infections caused by fungi led to new challenges in diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. The wide use of broad-spectrum antibiotic agents, an increased prevalence of molds and non-Candida albicans spp., and the variety of available antifungal agents underline the importance of identifying the causative species, to initiate adequate therapy within an adequate timeframe. Methods: Review of the pertinent English and German literature. Results: Fungal burn wound infections go along with a delay of identifying the causative fungus species and can be mistaken for early bacterial burn wound infection. Recently, an increase of uncommon fungal pathogens and fungi resistance against antifungal agents has been reported. Amphotericin B and voriconazole remain the antifungal drugs used most commonly. Conclusions: Adequate therapy remains challenging. Early radical debridement and wound closure play an imperative part, particularly in preventing infections caused by yeasts and molds or any other agent. Prophylactic empiric pharmacologic treatment is reserved for those highly at risk for invasive burn wound infection only. Because of the emergence of drug-resistant fungi, the development of new antifungal drugs is essential for the battle against fungal burn wound infections.