Systemic mycoses in the immunocompromised host: an update in antifungal therapy

Despite significant advances in the management of immunosuppressed patients, invasive fungal infections remain an important life-threatening complication. In the last decade several new antifungal agents, including compounds in pre-existing classes (new generation of triazoles, polyenes in lipid formulations) and novel classes of antifungals with a unique mechanism of action (echinocandins), have been introduced in clinical practice. Ongoing and future studies will determine their exact role in the management of different mycoses. The acceleration of antifungal drug discovery offers promise for the management of these difficult to treat opportunistic infections.