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An Ex vivo Assay to Study Candida albicans Hyphal Morphogenesis in the Gastrointestinal Tract
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Invasive Candida infections: the changing epidemiology

Kieren A Marr1

  • 1University of Washington, School of Medicine, and Program in Infectious Diseases, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, USA.

Oncology (Williston Park, N.Y.)
|February 3, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Bloodstream infections caused by Candida are rising, with non-albicans species showing increased resistance to antifungal drugs. Careful evaluation of treatment is crucial to combat this growing challenge.

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Clinical Microbiology

Background:

  • Candida bloodstream infections (BSI) are a significant cause of mortality in the US.
  • Candida albicans is common, but non-albicans species like Candida glabrata and Candida krusei are increasingly isolated.
  • These shifts are driven by antifungal prophylaxis, changing patient populations, and therapeutic strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the growing prevalence of non-albicans Candida species in bloodstream infections.
  • To emphasize the increasing resistance of these species to azole antifungals.
  • To underscore the need for careful consideration of antifungal treatment options.

Main Methods:

  • Epidemiological data review on Candida bloodstream infections.
  • Analysis of antifungal resistance patterns in Candida species.
  • Evaluation of factors contributing to changing Candida epidemiology.

Main Results:

  • Non-albicans Candida species, particularly Candida glabrata, show increasing isolation rates.
  • Candida glabrata exhibits resistance to fluconazole and emerging cross-resistance to newer azoles.
  • Rising azole resistance in Candida species poses a significant clinical challenge.

Conclusions:

  • The increasing prevalence of azole-resistant Candida species necessitates a re-evaluation of antifungal treatment strategies.
  • Host and therapeutic risk factors for drug resistance must be carefully assessed.
  • Effective management of Candida BSI requires monitoring resistance trends and optimizing therapy.

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