Invasive Candidiasis

Abstract

Invasive candidiasis (IC) is the most frequent health care associated invasive fungal infection. It is also associated with high morbidity, mortality, and cost. The most frequent etiologic agent is Candida albicans, but non-albicans species are increasing and associated with reduced antifungal susceptibility and outbreaks. Candida auris is an emerging multidrug-resistant species recently described. IC presents as a spectrum of disease, going from fungemia to deep-seated candidiasis, and to septic shock with multiorgan failure. Diagnosis of IC is challenging. Several biomarkers and molecular methods are available for improving diagnosis. Early initial treatment with echinocandins is the treatment of choice. Step-down therapy when antifungal susceptibility is available is possible. Several new antifungal agents for the treatment of IC are in clinical development.