The spectrum of respiratory mycoses in a referral hospital in north-western India.

There has been an increasing recognition of respiratory mycoses in this country in the recent past. Candidiasis, aspergillosis and cryptococcosis have been reported from different centres. Occasional cases of histoplasmosis and sporotrichosis have also been reported. Infections with Pneumocystis carinii, which is now classified as a fungus, are being frequently diagnosed, especially in the immuno-compromised patients such as those on prolonged immunosuppressive therapy or with HIV infection. Although the clinical picture of respiratory mycoses resembles that of any other infection, the presentation in several cases is atypical and the diagnosis is delayed. In a review of our patients of respiratory fungal infections seen in the last few years, we found several interesting examples. We report here the general clinical spectrum of respiratory mycoses and some interesting cases seen at our Centre.