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New antifungal antibiotics

José A Paiva1, José M Pereira

  • 1Emergency and Intensive Care Department, Centro Hospitalar S. João, EPE, Faculdade de Medicina, University of Porto, Infection and Sepsis Group, Porto, Portugal. jarturpaiva@gmail.com

Current Opinion in Infectious Diseases
|February 16, 2013
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Invasive fungal and respiratory mould infections are rising, posing significant health and economic burdens. New antifungal drugs offer improved treatment options, but careful drug selection is crucial for successful outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Mycology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Increasing incidence of invasive fungal infections and respiratory mould infections.
  • Rising prevalence of non-Aspergillus moulds causing lung infections in specific populations.
  • Emerging challenges in antifungal susceptibility and resistance.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the evolving landscape of fungal infections.
  • To discuss advancements in antifungal therapies.
  • To highlight the impact of new antifungal agents on fungal epidemiology.

Main Methods:

  • Review of recent literature on fungal infections and antifungal drugs.
  • Analysis of trends in fungal epidemiology.
  • Discussion of pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic properties of new antifungal agents.

Main Results:

  • Significant improvements in the antifungal armamentarium over the past decade.
  • Several new antifungal drugs are in development.
  • New antifungal agents are influencing the epidemiology of fungal infections.

Conclusions:

  • The selection of appropriate antifungal therapy is critical for clinical success.
  • Consideration of the pathogen, host factors, and drug pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics is paramount.
  • Optimizing antifungal treatment strategies is essential for managing increasing fungal infections.

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