T2Candida for the Diagnosis and Management of Invasive Candida Infections

Abstract

Invasive candidiasis is a common healthcare-associated infection with high mortality and is difficult to diagnose due to nonspecific symptoms and limitations of culture based diagnostic methods. T2Candida, based on T2 magnetic resonance technology, is FDA approved for the diagnosis of candidemia and can rapidly detect the five most commonly isolated Candida sp. in approximately 5 h directly from whole blood. We discuss the preclinical and clinical studies of T2Candida for the diagnosis of candidemia and review the current literature on its use in deep-seated candidiasis, its role in patient management and prognosis, clinical utility in unique populations and non-blood specimens, and as an antifungal stewardship tool. Lastly, we summarize the strengths and limitations of this promising nonculture-based diagnostic test.

Keywords: T2Candida; candidemia; fungemia; invasive candidiasis.

Figure 1

Flowchart for management of suspected candidemia. Note: Candida score defining presumptive candidiasis as Candida score ≥ 3. Candida score component and points: Severe sepsis–2, Multifocal Candida colonization–1, Total parenteral nutrition–1, Surgery on ICU admission–1.