Invasive Candidiasis

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Mycology
• Critical Care Medicine

Background:

• Invasive candidiasis (IC) is a prevalent, severe healthcare-associated fungal infection.
• Candida albicans is the primary cause, but non-albicans species, including multidrug-resistant Candida auris, are increasing.
• IC leads to significant morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current landscape of invasive candidiasis.
• To highlight diagnostic challenges and emerging resistance patterns.
• To discuss current and future therapeutic strategies.

Main Methods:

• Review of current literature on invasive candidiasis.
• Analysis of epidemiological trends and etiological agents.
• Evaluation of diagnostic biomarkers and molecular methods.
• Assessment of current and emerging antifungal treatments.

Main Results:

• Invasive candidiasis presents a spectrum from fungemia to septic shock.
• Non-albicans Candida species, particularly Candida auris, show increasing prevalence and antifungal resistance.
• Diagnosis remains challenging, necessitating improved biomarkers and molecular techniques.

Conclusions:

• Early echinocandin therapy is the preferred initial treatment for IC.
• Antifungal susceptibility testing guides step-down therapy.
• New antifungal agents are under development to combat resistant strains and improve patient outcomes.