OCTOBER 8, 2015 | Bart Jan Kullberg, M.D., Ph.D., and Maiken C. Arendrup, M.D., Ph.D.
Invasive candidiasis is a serious fungal infection that affects hospitalized patients, particularly in developed countries. It encompasses both candidemia (bloodstream infection) and deep-seated tissue infections. Candidemia is the more common form and is frequently studied in clinical trials. Deep-seated infections can arise from hematogenous spread or direct inoculation into sterile sites. Despite antifungal treatment, mortality rates can reach 40%. The rise of non-albicans Candida species and increasing drug resistance pose significant challenges. Recent advancements have transformed diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.
Epidemiologically, invasive candidiasis affects over 250,000 people annually, with candidemia being the fourth most common bloodstream infection. Incidence rates have varied, with declines in high-incidence areas due to improved hygiene and management. Risk factors include central vascular catheters, recent surgery, and broad-spectrum antibiotics. Blood culture-negative cases include syndromes like chronic disseminated candidiasis and deep-seated infections in various organs.
Candida species distribution has shifted, with C. glabrata and C. parapsilosis becoming more prevalent. These species have different susceptibilities to antifungal drugs. Genetic factors also play a role in susceptibility, with certain polymorphisms increasing the risk of candidemia.
Diagnosis involves both direct and indirect methods, including blood cultures, biomarkers like β-D-glucan, and PCR tests. While no single test is perfect, combining multiple methods improves accuracy. Antifungal prophylaxis is considered for high-risk ICU patients, though its benefits are limited and not always associated with improved survival.
Early treatment is crucial, with studies suggesting that early antifungal therapy improves outcomes. However, definitive evidence is lacking. Echinocandins are now the first-line treatment for most patients, with step-down strategies to triazoles based on clinical stability. Emerging resistance to antifungal drugs, particularly echinocandins, is a growing concern.
In summary, the management of invasive candidiasis has evolved, emphasizing early intervention, appropriate antifungal therapy, and the need for non-culture-based diagnostics. Future research should focus on validating these approaches and improving patient outcomes.Invasive candidiasis is a serious fungal infection that affects hospitalized patients, particularly in developed countries. It encompasses both candidemia (bloodstream infection) and deep-seated tissue infections. Candidemia is the more common form and is frequently studied in clinical trials. Deep-seated infections can arise from hematogenous spread or direct inoculation into sterile sites. Despite antifungal treatment, mortality rates can reach 40%. The rise of non-albicans Candida species and increasing drug resistance pose significant challenges. Recent advancements have transformed diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.
Epidemiologically, invasive candidiasis affects over 250,000 people annually, with candidemia being the fourth most common bloodstream infection. Incidence rates have varied, with declines in high-incidence areas due to improved hygiene and management. Risk factors include central vascular catheters, recent surgery, and broad-spectrum antibiotics. Blood culture-negative cases include syndromes like chronic disseminated candidiasis and deep-seated infections in various organs.
Candida species distribution has shifted, with C. glabrata and C. parapsilosis becoming more prevalent. These species have different susceptibilities to antifungal drugs. Genetic factors also play a role in susceptibility, with certain polymorphisms increasing the risk of candidemia.
Diagnosis involves both direct and indirect methods, including blood cultures, biomarkers like β-D-glucan, and PCR tests. While no single test is perfect, combining multiple methods improves accuracy. Antifungal prophylaxis is considered for high-risk ICU patients, though its benefits are limited and not always associated with improved survival.
Early treatment is crucial, with studies suggesting that early antifungal therapy improves outcomes. However, definitive evidence is lacking. Echinocandins are now the first-line treatment for most patients, with step-down strategies to triazoles based on clinical stability. Emerging resistance to antifungal drugs, particularly echinocandins, is a growing concern.
In summary, the management of invasive candidiasis has evolved, emphasizing early intervention, appropriate antifungal therapy, and the need for non-culture-based diagnostics. Future research should focus on validating these approaches and improving patient outcomes.