Infections remains the major cause of mortality in patients hospitalized with burn injuries. Over the past two decades, the incidence and clinical severity of bacterial infections in burn patients have been significantly reduced. In contrast, fungal infections have increased in clinical importance. Burn injuries are frequently listed as a major risk factor for fungal infections.

Progress in the effective treatment of fungal infections in burn patients has been slowed by a near-total lack of agreement regarding the best methods of treatment. No standard exists for the performance of routine surveillance cultures, or for systemic or topical treatment of infections.

Objectives: This study will determine and describe the various regimens used for diagnosis and treatment of fungal infections in burn patients by various burn centers in the United States.

Patient Selection Criteria: The records of all burn patients with positive qualitative or quantitative routine or fungal cultures will be reviewed at participating sites. Participating centers will be asked to describe their standard methods of surveillance for infections in burn patients. Data will be recorded on individual patients, including the site(s) of infection, organism(s) encountered, methods of determining infection, methods of systemic and topical treatment, and outcomes. We anticipate that at least 300 patient records can be obtained within a year.