Publication Date
1-31-2017
Keywords
mycoses; freshwater; eye infections, fungal; keratitis; otitis externa
Abstract
Fungal infections as a result of freshwater exposure or trauma are fortunately rare. Etiologic agents are varied, but commonly include filamentous fungi and Candida. This narrative review describes various sources of potential freshwater fungal exposure and the diseases that may result, including fungal keratitis, acute otitis externa and tinea pedis, as well as rare deep soft tissue or bone infections and pulmonary or central nervous system infections following traumatic freshwater exposure during natural disasters or near-drowning episodes. Fungal etiology should be suspected in appropriate scenarios when bacterial cultures or molecular tests are normal or when the infection worsens or fails to resolve with appropriate antibacterial therapy.
Recommended Citation
Baumgardner DJ. Freshwater fungal infections. J Patient Cent Res Rev. 2017;4:32-8. doi: 10.17294/2330-0698.1262
Included in
Environmental Microbiology and Microbial Ecology Commons, Fungi Commons, Infectious Disease Commons, Medical Microbiology Commons
Submitted
March 9th, 2016
Accepted
June 13th, 2016
