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The PATH (Prospective Antifungal Therapy) Alliance® registry and invasive fungal infections: update 2012

Nkechi Azie1, Dionissios Neofytos, Michael Pfaller

  • 1Astellas Pharma Global Development, Deerfield, IL 60015, USA. Nkechi.Azie@us.astellas.com

Diagnostic Microbiology and Infectious Disease
|July 14, 2012
PubMed

Insights

This study tracked invasive fungal infections (IFIs) in North America, finding Candida and Aspergillus as primary culprits. Treatment varied by infection type, with survival rates differing significantly across patient groups.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Mycology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Invasive fungal infections (IFIs) pose a significant threat to hospitalized patients.
  • Understanding the epidemiology and treatment patterns of IFIs is crucial for improving patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To prospectively surveil IFIs in North American medical centers.
  • To collect data on IFI epidemiology, diagnosis, treatment, and mortality.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective surveillance across 25 medical centers from 2004-2008.
  • Identification and characterization of 7526 IFIs in 6845 patients.
  • Analysis of diagnostic methods and antifungal treatment regimens.

Main Results:

  • Candida spp. (73.4%) and Aspergillus spp. (13.3%) were the most common pathogens.
  • Culture was the primary diagnostic method.
  • Fluconazole and echinocandins were common for candidiasis; voriconazole for aspergillosis.
  • 12-week survival ranged from 37.5% (HSCT recipients) to ~75.0% (HIV/AIDS patients).

Conclusions:

  • The PATH Alliance® registry provides comprehensive data on IFI epidemiology.
  • Findings highlight the need for tailored treatment strategies based on fungal species and patient population.
  • Survival rates underscore the severity of IFIs in immunocompromised individuals.

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