Jan. 2007 | M. A. Pfaller1,3* and D. J. Diekema1,2
The article provides a comprehensive review of the epidemiology of invasive candidiasis (IC), a significant public health problem. It highlights the increasing incidence and mortality associated with IC, particularly among immunocompromised individuals and those in hospitals. The study uses data from the National Hospital Discharge Survey (NHDS) and the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) to estimate incidence and mortality rates of IC and invasive aspergillosis (IA). The incidence of IC remains steady at around 22-24 infections per 100,000 population per year, while IA incidence is significantly lower at 4.1 infections per 100,000 population per year. The article also discusses the global trends in species distribution and antifungal susceptibility among Candida isolates, noting that C. albicans remains the most common species but is showing a decreasing trend, while C. glabrata and C. parapsilosis are increasing. The use of antifungal drugs, such as amphotericin B, triazoles, and echinocandins, is discussed, along with the emergence of resistance to these agents. The article emphasizes the importance of population-based surveillance and standardized testing methods in understanding the epidemiology and management of IC.The article provides a comprehensive review of the epidemiology of invasive candidiasis (IC), a significant public health problem. It highlights the increasing incidence and mortality associated with IC, particularly among immunocompromised individuals and those in hospitals. The study uses data from the National Hospital Discharge Survey (NHDS) and the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) to estimate incidence and mortality rates of IC and invasive aspergillosis (IA). The incidence of IC remains steady at around 22-24 infections per 100,000 population per year, while IA incidence is significantly lower at 4.1 infections per 100,000 population per year. The article also discusses the global trends in species distribution and antifungal susceptibility among Candida isolates, noting that C. albicans remains the most common species but is showing a decreasing trend, while C. glabrata and C. parapsilosis are increasing. The use of antifungal drugs, such as amphotericin B, triazoles, and echinocandins, is discussed, along with the emergence of resistance to these agents. The article emphasizes the importance of population-based surveillance and standardized testing methods in understanding the epidemiology and management of IC.