Epidemiology of Invasive Candidiasis

Invasive candidiasis (IC) is an increasingly prevalent, costly, and potentially fatal infection brought on by the opportunistic yeast, Candida. Previously, IC has predominantly been caused by C. albicans which is often drug susceptible. There has been a global trend towards decreasing rates of infection secondary to C. albicans and a rise in non-albicans species with a corresponding increase in drug resistance creating treatment challenges. With advances in management of malignancies, there has also been an increase in the population at risk from IC along with a corresponding increase in incidence of breakthrough IC infections. Additionally, the emergence of C. auris creates many challenges in management and prevention due to drug resistance and the organism's ability to transmit rapidly in the healthcare setting. While the development of novel antifungals is encouraging for future management, understanding the changing epidemiology of IC is a vital step in future management and prevention.