Other Opportunistic Fungal Infections

  • Causative organisms Torulopsis glagrata, Aspergillosis and cryptococcosis are uncommon GU infections but are seen with increasing incidence of AIDS. These infections are becoming more frequent and the clinician must have a high index of suspicion for these infections in patients who are immunocompromised.
  • T. glabarata is known to cause perirenal and pelvic abscesses. It has a similar course of disease as described in candidiasis and responds to the same chemotherapy.
  • Aspergillosis is known to cause renal mass or pseudotumor in immunocompromised patients such as those with renal transplants or AIDS.
    • Occasional prostate and scrotal infections are encountered
    • Responds well to 5-FC and amphtericin B treatment
  • Cryptococcus neoformans is a common opportunistic pathogen in the lung and CNS and occasionally involves the GU system in immunocompromised patients.
    • Commonly seen in association with AIDS
    • Can cause infection in the kidney, adrenal, prostate, and penis
    • 5-FC and amphotericin B are effective in treatment of this disease

References