Geriatric fungal infections

Abstract

Fungal infections are one of the most prevalent dermatologic conditions affecting the geriatric population. Fungi originate from several environments. Anthropophilic fungi grow only on humans, zoophilic fungi grow on animals, and geophilic fungi live in the soil. Three groups cause cutaneous fungal infections: dermatophytes (Trichophyton, Microsporum, and Epidermophyton); yeasts, (Malassezia and Candida); and non-dermatophyte molds (Scopulariopsis, Aspergillus, and Fusarium). Several factors contribute to increased prevalence of fungal infections in the elderly, including an age related decline in immune response, diabetes mellitus, peripheral vascular disease, malnutrition, vitamin deficiency, infections requiring the use of broad spectrum antibiotics, lymphoproliferative disorders, malignancies, chemotherapy, corticosteroid use, cutaneous trauma, and denture use. Immunosuppressive therapy is commonly used in the geriatric population for transplantation, inflammatory disorders, and autoimmune disorders. Warm, humid climates provide favorable conditions for fungal growth. Certain fungi, like Candida albicans is considered normal flora of the mouth, vagina, and gut. Disease usually occurs only when the Candida can grow beyond the capability of the host-s immune defenses. © Springer-Verlag London Limited 2008.