Current opinion in pulmonary medicine
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Cryptococcosis is an important opportunistic fungal infection, especially in the immunocompromised patient. Meningitis is the most common manifestation of cryptococcosis; however, cryptococcal lung disease is probably underdiagnosed, and knowledge of epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment is necessary. ⋯ Cryptococcal lung disease is an important and probably underdiagnosed infection. Knowledge of the epidemiology, diagnostic methodologies, and treatment is needed to ensure good patient outcomes.
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The review highlights the clinical findings and the management of community-acquired, health-care associated and nosocomial pneumonia due to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). ⋯ Rapid recognition of possible staphylococcal infection in patients with severe pneumonia is essential. The treatment of MRSA pneumonia must be prompt and effective in order to allow a fast microbiological clearance and to successfully manage the infection.
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Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an important disease worldwide, imposing huge economic burden on society. Outdoor air pollutants have a wide variety of harmful effects on humans, including local effects on the airway and systemic inflammation. Recent publications (2007-2008) on the effects of outdoor air pollutants specifically on COPD patients are reviewed in this article. ⋯ Although there is good evidence linking increased outdoor air pollution to increased morbidity, healthcare resources utilization and higher mortality among patients with COPD, it is controversial whether outdoor air pollution is a key factor in the development of this disease.