African Journal of
Microbiology Research

  • Abbreviation: Afr. J. Microbiol. Res.
  • Language: English
  • ISSN: 1996-0808
  • DOI: 10.5897/AJMR
  • Start Year: 2007
  • Published Articles: 5233

Review

Fungal sinusitis in immunocompromised hosts

Tayfun Apuhan1*, Abdulkadir Küçükbayrak2 and Ismail Hakyemez2
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Izzet Baysal Medicine Faculty of Abant Izzet Baysal University, Bolu, Turkey. 2Department of Infectious Diseases, Izzet Baysal Medicine Faculty of Abant Izzet Baysal University, Bolu, Turkey.
Email: [email protected]

  •  Accepted: 15 June 2011
  •  Published: 04 July 2011

Abstract

The term “immunocompromised host” is generally applied to a variety of patients with various immune defects. Invasive rhinosinusitis is defined by the presence of local inflammation, with vascular and osseous necrosis with extensive soft tissue extension, and occurs almost exclusively in immunocompromised patients. Fungi have been increasingly recognized as important pathogens in severe acute and chronic sinusitis in immunosuppressed hosts. Earlier recognition of the disease, medical attention specific to the patient’s needs are required. After medical remission, significant complications of invasive fungal infection may be seen. Patients should be followed in the long-term, until remucosalization of the sinuses.

 

Key word: Fungal sinusitis, immunocompromised hosts, rhinosinusitis, immune defects.