MANAGEMENT OF SYSTEMIC MANIFESTATIONS OF FUNGAL DISEASE IN PATIENTS WITH AIDS

In patients with AIDS with cryptococcosis, prompt diagnosis is essential. Poor results with conventional therapy (amphotericin-SFC) have led to exploration of the azoles. Both fluconazole and itraconazole have given good short-term results with less toxicity. However, cure is achieved far less often than in other compromised hosts. Fluconazole is also useful to prevent relapse after successful initial amphotericin therapy, particularly from genitourinary foci. In both histoplasmosis and aspergillosis, itraconazole has produced impressive therapeutic results, and in histoplasmosis, secondary prophylaxis as well. In coccidioidomycosis results thus far have not been better than conventional amphotericin therapy, especially in initial treatment.