[Echinocandins and the 2009 guidelines for treatment of candidiasis]

Abstract

Candida is the most frequent cause of invasive fungal infections in humans that yield high levels of mortality and health-related costs. Several factors lead to the development of candidemia. The Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) updated its guidelines for the management of candidiasis and proper use of antifungal agents in Candida infections. The echinocandins are novel antifungal 1,3-beta-glucan synthase inhibitors and are currently the first choice treatment for most Candida infections, with good responses to support its use.