Related Experiment Video

Updated: Sep 28, 2026

Automation of Bio-Atomic Force Microscope Measurements on Hundreds of C. albicans Cells
09:27

Automation of Bio-Atomic Force Microscope Measurements on Hundreds of C. albicans Cells

Published on: April 2, 2021

Caspofungin acetate for treatment of invasive fungal infections

Staci A Pacetti1, Steven P Gelone

  • 1School of Pharmacy, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19140-5101, USA. spacetti@temple.edu

The Annals of Pharmacotherapy
|December 31, 2002
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Caspofungin, a novel echinocandin antifungal, shows efficacy against invasive fungal infections like aspergillosis and candidiasis. Its unique mechanism targets fungal cell wall synthesis, offering a new option for refractory cases.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Mycology
  • Pharmacology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Fungal infections are increasing due to expanding at-risk populations.
  • Rising resistance, morbidity, and mortality necessitate new antifungal agents.
  • Current antifungal therapies have limitations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • Review the changing epidemiology of fungal infections.
  • Discuss available antifungal agents and introduce caspofungin.
  • Evaluate caspofungin's pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, safety, efficacy, and role in treating invasive fungal infections.

Main Methods:

  • Conducted a MEDLINE search (1966-2002) for caspofungin, echinocandins, fungal infections, and invasive aspergillosis.
  • Included reviews, studies, treatment guidelines, and manufacturer data.
  • Evaluated in vitro studies and clinical trials for efficacy and safety.

Main Results:

  • Caspofungin is the first approved echinocandin, inhibiting fungal cell wall synthesis (glucan synthase inhibitor).
  • It demonstrates activity against Aspergillus spp. and Candida spp. (including non-albicans).
  • Clinical trials show effectiveness in invasive aspergillosis and candidiasis; FDA-approved for refractory invasive aspergillosis.

Conclusions:

  • Caspofungin is effective against Aspergillus and Candida species.
  • Clinical data support its use in invasive aspergillosis and certain candidiasis.
  • The therapeutic role of caspofungin is expected to expand with more data.

More Related Videos

Whole Genome Sequencing of Candida glabrata for Detection of Markers of Antifungal Drug Resistance08:45

Whole Genome Sequencing of Candida glabrata for Detection of Markers of Antifungal Drug Resistance

Published on: December 28, 2017

Related Concept Videos

Antifungal Agents01:15

Antifungal Agents

Amphotericin B is a broad-spectrum antifungal agent that exploits structural differences between fungal and mammalian cell membranes. Its amphipathic structure—featuring a hydrophobic polyene-lactone ring and a hydrophilic region containing mycosamine and carboxylic acid groups—enables selective binding to ergosterol, a sterol predominantly found in fungal plasma membranes. This selective interaction underlies the drug’s antifungal activity, although weak binding to cholesterol contributes to...
Cryptococcal Meningitis01:27

Cryptococcal Meningitis

Cryptococcal meningitis is a life-threatening opportunistic infection predominantly associated with HIV/AIDS, accounting for over 100,000 deaths annually worldwide. However, it also affects individuals with other forms of immunosuppression, including those undergoing immunosuppressive therapy, organ transplant recipients, patients with innate immunodeficiencies, and individuals with hematological disorders. The infection is caused mainly by Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii,...
Candidiasis01:20

Candidiasis

Candidiasis is a fungal infection caused by opportunistic species of Candida. It can affect various anatomical sites, including the skin, oral cavity, nails, and genitourinary tract. Among its forms, vaginal candidiasis is the most common type of mucosal infection. It typically results from the overgrowth of Candida albicans in the vaginal mucosa. Under normal conditions, C. albicans exists as a commensal organism within the vaginal microbiota, regulated by the dominance of lactobacilli, which...
Fungal Phylum Ascomycota01:28

Fungal Phylum Ascomycota

Phylum Ascomycota, a major division within the subkingdom Dikarya, comprises a diverse range of fungal species, including both unicellular yeasts and filamentous molds such as Aspergillus and Penicillium. These fungi thrive in a variety of habitats, from aquatic ecosystems to terrestrial environments, playing crucial ecological and economic roles.Morphology and ReproductionThe defining characteristic of Ascomycetes, commonly referred to as sac fungi, is the ascus—a sac-like structure that...
Fungal Phylum Microsporidia01:28

Fungal Phylum Microsporidia

Microsporidia are a group of obligate intracellular fungi that were initially classified as protists but were later reclassified based on phylogenetic, molecular, and structural evidence linking them to the Chytridiomycota. These unicellular, non-motile organisms are highly specialized parasites that infect a wide range of animal hosts, including humans. They have evolved extensive genomic and metabolic reductions, making them highly dependent on their hosts for survival.Morphology and Genomic...
Antiprotozoal Agents01:21

Antiprotozoal Agents

Leishmaniasis is a widespread parasitic disease caused by several Leishmania species. It affects millions of people each year and remains a major public health problem in endemic regions. First-line treatment relies on pentavalent antimonials, including meglumine antimoniate and sodium stibogluconate. Even so, how these drugs work has not been fully clear, especially their interaction with parasite-specific biochemical pathways. One key target is trypanothione reductase (TR), an enzyme that...