Curriculum-Based Learning Activities
Curriculum Description
Since the early 1990s, an explosive increase has occurred in the rate of invasive fungal disease caused by endemic and opportunistic mycosal infections. Many reasons exist for the changing epidemiology of fungal disease. An increasing number of patients are undergoing chemotherapy and transplantation, leading to an increased use of immunosuppressive drugs. These patients are also surviving longer, extending the time they are at risk for these infections. Rates of immunosuppressive diseases such as AIDS are increasing, and patients with these diseases are particularly at risk for almost all invasive mycoses from recalcitrant oropharyngeal candidiasis to fulminant systemic mycoses. The increase in fungal disease is also a by-product of ever-improving technology, including intravascular catheters. Finally, the elderly population is increasing, and one must consider the subclinical immunosuppression that occurs with advanced age.
New fungal infections are emerging, and old ones are re-emerging; drug resistance from the increasing use of antifungal agents and inherent resistance are also problems. As a result of this changing epidemiology, clinicians must remain abreast of both the most effective diagnostic tools and the expanding list of antifungal therapies in their efforts to optimize outcomes in patients with invasive fungal infections. The goal of this endeavor is to provide practical guidance on these challenging topics in invasive candidiasis/candidemia and aspergillosis, while implementing a unique, learner-driven, social media aspect to further augment the educational experience. To maximize the impact of this educational activity, participation is encouraged in all components, and additional questions and comments on “hot topics” in invasive candidiasis/candidemia and aspergillosis are welcome.
Follow us on Twitter at @PVInfDis
