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Part XIII. Systemic antifungal therapy

Kristin H Busse1, Chris A Gentry, Michael S Bronze

  • 1Infectious Diseases Secton, Oklahoma City, OK 73190, USA.

The Journal of the Oklahoma State Medical Association
|November 21, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Serious systemic fungal infections were once rare, treated only by amphotericin B deoxycholate. A rise in infections led to new antifungal drugs, necessitating an updated review of treatments.

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Systemic fungal infections were historically rare and primarily treated with intravenous amphotericin B deoxycholate.
  • The late 20th century saw a significant increase in the incidence of serious systemic fungal infections.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide an updated review of antifungal therapy in light of new drug classes.
  • To address the evolving landscape of treating systemic fungal infections.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of antifungal agents introduced in the last 15 years.
  • Analysis of the emergence of new antifungal drug classes.

Main Results:

  • Four new classes of antifungal agents were introduced within a 15-year period.
  • These new classes include triazoles, liposomal amphotericin B preparations, allylamines, and echinocandins.

Conclusions:

  • The development of new antifungal agents has expanded treatment options.
  • An updated review is crucial due to the increased incidence and availability of diverse antifungal therapies.

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