Antifungals are medicinal substances that are used to treat mycoses: diseases caused by pathogenic or opportunistic fungi.
Since 1950s, there has been a significant increase in the rate of fungal infections, which are largely iatrogenic and are mainly associated with the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics, corticosteroids, antitumor drugs, immu-nosuppressants, as well as dentures, internal catheters and implants, and with the spread of infection caused by the human immunodeficiency virus. As a result of a decrease in the protective immune mechanisms in the human body, saprophytic fungi (previously considered non-pathogenic) can cause the development of mycosis.
Clinically, they can be classified into systemic mycosis, dermatomycosis, and candidiasis.
Systemic (deep) mycosis includes aspergillo-sis, cryptococcosis, blastomycosis, coccidioido-mycosis, and histoplasmosis.
Dermatomycosis includes trichophytia, mi-crosporia, athlete's foot, and many others.
Candidiasisis caused by yeast-like fungi (Candida). Candidiasis can be both superficial (lesions of the mucous membranes, skin) or systemic [lesions of the lungs, gastrointestinal tract, central nervous system; Candida-associated sepsis is a possibility].
In case of systemic (deep) mycosis, the internal organs and the central nervous system are affected. Such mycosis includes coccidioido-mycosis, cryptococcosis, histoplasmosis, blas-tomycosis, etc.
Superficial mycosis (dermatomycosis) is-characterized by fungal infections of the skin, nails, and hair caused by dermatophytes.
Dermatomycosis includes trichophytia, mi-crosporia, dermatophytosis, and other.
The causative agent of candidiasis is Candida albicans. Candidiasis most commonly affects the mucous membranes of the intestinal tract, bronchi, and genitals. In rare cases involving severe immunodeficiency, it may lead to fungal septicemia.