Challenges in the therapy of chromoblastomycosis

Mycopathologia. 2013 Jun;175(5-6):477-88. doi: 10.1007/s11046-013-9648-x. Epub 2013 May 2.

Abstract

Chromoblastomycosis (CBM) is an implantation mycosis mainly occurring in tropical and subtropical zones worldwide. If not diagnosed at early stages, patients with CBM require long-term therapy with systemic antifungals flanked by various physical treatment regimens. As in other neglected endemic mycoses, comparative clinical trials have not been performed for this disease; nowadays, therapy is mainly based on a few open trials and on expert opinions. Itraconazole, either as monotherapy or associated with other drugs, or with physical methods, is widely used. Recently, photodynamic therapy has been employed successfully in combination with antifungals in patients presenting with CBM. In the present paper, the most used therapeutic options against CBM are reviewed as well as the several factors that may have impact on the patient's outcome.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antifungal Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Chromoblastomycosis / drug therapy*
  • Chromoblastomycosis / surgery*
  • Drug Therapy / methods
  • Drug Therapy, Combination / methods
  • Humans
  • Photochemotherapy / methods
  • Photosensitizing Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antifungal Agents
  • Photosensitizing Agents