Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 27, 2026
07:42
An Ex vivo Assay to Study Candida albicans Hyphal Morphogenesis in the Gastrointestinal Tract
Published on: July 1, 2020
Invasive candidiasis and candidemia: new guidelines
F G De Rosa1, S Garazzino, D Pasero
1Department of Infectious Diseases, Amedeo di Savoia Hospital, University of Turin, Turin, Italy. rancescogiuseppe.derosa@unito.it
Minerva Anestesiologica
|December 17, 2008
Summary
Invasive candidiasis (IC) is a serious ICU infection. Echinocandins are often preferred for empirical treatment, especially in critically ill patients or those with prior azole exposure.
Area of Science:
- Critical Care Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Mycology
Background:
- Invasive candidiasis (IC), including candidemia, has high mortality (40-50%) and is prevalent in intensive care units (ICUs).
- Both Candida albicans and non-albicans strains cause IC, necessitating appropriate empirical and targeted antifungal therapies.
- Previous azole exposure increases the risk of infection with azole-resistant or non-albicans strains.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent guidelines for invasive candidiasis and candidemia management.
- To provide an intensive care unit (ICU) perspective on antifungal treatment selection.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent guidelines for invasive candidiasis and candidemia.
- Synthesis of information from an ICU perspective.
Main Results:
- Host factors (infection site, severity, neutropenia, hemodynamics, organ failure, drug interactions) influence antifungal choice.
- Echinocandins are generally favored for empiric candidemia treatment in critically ill patients or those with prior azole exposure.
- Polyenes should be avoided in renal failure; echinocandins and azoles should be avoided in severe hepatic dysfunction.
Conclusions:
- Antifungal selection for IC requires careful consideration of patient-specific factors and pathogen resistance patterns.
- Guideline adherence is crucial for optimizing outcomes in ICU patients with invasive candidiasis.
Related Concept Videos
01:20Candidiasis
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...
01:27Cryptococcal 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,...
01:22Healthcare Associated Infections II: Preventive Measures
Essential infection prevention measures are based on the knowledge of the infection chain, the modes of transmission in healthcare settings, and the use of the best practices in all healthcare settings. Compulsory public reporting of healthcare-associated infection rates is needed to allow individuals and the community to make informed choices regarding selecting a healthcare facility.
The best practices for preventing healthcare-associated infections include hand hygiene, patient risk...
The best practices for preventing healthcare-associated infections include hand hygiene, patient risk...
01:18Endocarditis III: Medical Management
Infective endocarditis management involves a multifaceted approach encompassing infection prevention, lifestyle modifications, pharmacological therapy, and surgical management.Infection Prevention:Hand Hygiene: Thorough handwashing is crucial to prevent the spread of infection. Hand hygiene should be performed regularly, especially before and after using the restroom.Oral Hygiene: Good oral hygiene is essential. It includes brushing teeth immediately after waking up and before bed, flossing...
01:15Antifungal 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...
01:26Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection
The hosts' susceptibility to infection depends on several factors. The integrity of the skin and mucous membranes helps protect the body against microbial attacks. When the skin is altered, the chance of infection, limb loss, and even death increases.
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin create...
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin create...