Pulmonary fungal infections in immunocompromised children.

Pulmonary mycoses are increasingly encountered in children with underlying diseases associated with immunosuppression, including children with cancer or HIV infection. Knowledge of the epidemiology and pathogenesis of pulmonary mycoses can be applied to prevent infection in many cases and to promptly diagnose infections that do occur. Treatment is usually successful if initiated early, although pulmonary aspergillosis and zygomycosis are portentous ailments unless surgical resection or prompt immunologic recovery ensue.