Infectious Disease

Managing Invasive Fungal Infections in the Immunocompromised Patient

Invasive fungal infections are a growing problem, particularly in immunocompromised patients, and are associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Most of them are due to Candida species, especially Candida albicans. Invasive candidiasis includes candidaemia, disseminated candidiasis with deep organ involvement and chronic disseminated candidiasis. During the last decades rare pathogenic fungi, such as Aspergillus species, Zygomycetes, Fusarium species and Scedosporium have also emerged. Timely diagnosis and proper treatment are of paramount importance for a favourable outcome. Echinocandins offer a rapid resolution of symptoms with fewer complications and a favourable therapeutic and safety profile.

Modern Medicine – Issue 1, 2025

Immunomodulatory Effects of Azithromycin

Macrolides (for example, azithromycin, erythromycin, fidaxomicin and clarithromycin) are a class of bacteriostatic antibiotics commonly employed in medical practice against various gram-positive and atypical bacterial species. Besides their antibacterial properties, macrolides are reported to also have anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects.

Modern Medicine – Issue 3 2021

Varicella More than just a rash

Often considered a benign childhood illness, varicella (chickenpox) can be associated with serious and life-threatening complications. GPs have an important role in providing varicella vaccinations and in identifying patients with varicella infection or exposure, especially high-risk individuals who require counselling, prophylaxis and possible hospital referral.

Modern Medicine – Issue 2 2020

Manage the Patient, Not Just the Disease

Dr Isaac Chikwanha is a medical advisor for TB, HIV & Hepatitis C at MSF’s Access Campaign. He joined Doctors Without Borders (MSF) in 2009 and has helped treat HIV and tuberculosis in Kenya, Cambodia and Papua New Guinea.

Modern Medicine – Issue 2 2020