Fungal Respiratory Colonization and Infections in Cystic Fibrosis Patients in the Middle East

AbstractPurpose of ReviewCystic fibrosis (CF) is an inherited disease that can progressively affect multiple organs including respiratory tract. CF has been believed to occur infrequently in the Middle East (ME). However, it seems that CF maybe more common in ME countries than expected before. Despite the fact that surveillance of fungal infections is essential, data in the ME region remain scarce. This narrative review aims to evaluate the previously published data on the prevalence of fungal respiratory colonization and infections, spectrum of isolated fungi from the respiratory tract, and antifungal treatment in CF patients across ME countries.Recent FindingsAmong different opportunistic fungal pathogens,Aspergillus fumigatus andCandida species were reported as the most prevalent mold and yeast like fungi isolated from respiratory tract of CF patients from ME countries.A. fumigatus was reported as the common filamentous colonizing fungi of the respiratory tract of CF patients from Turkey in the range 10.4 –76.3%. Colonization due toAspergillus also showed the highest frequency forA. fumigatus (50.0%) in CF patients from Qatar. However, in a more comprehensive study from Iran,A. flavus was the most common.Scedosporium spp. has not been reported in CF patients from ME countries except for one study in Iran.SummaryFuture efforts should focus on improving laboratory capacities in ME for detection of common and rare fungal pathogens. National CF registries could help to colle...
Source: Current Fungal Infection Reports - Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research