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Antifungal susceptibility testing. Current state of technology, limitations, and standardization
1Department of Pathology, Oregon Health Sciences University, Portland.
Infectious Disease Clinics of North America
|June 1, 1993
Summary
The rise in invasive fungal infections necessitates standardized lab methods for antifungal drug testing. Global efforts aim to create reliable tests to guide clinicians in treating mycoses effectively.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Increasing incidence of invasive fungal infections in immunocompromised patients.
- Emergence of primary and secondary antifungal drug resistance.
- Need for reliable laboratory methods to guide antifungal therapy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the development of in vitro antifungal susceptibility testing.
- To detail challenges in standardizing antifungal drug evaluation.
- To assess current standardization efforts in antifungal susceptibility testing.
Main Methods:
- Review of historical development of antifungal susceptibility testing.
- Analysis of inherent problems in laboratory evaluation of antifungal agents.
- Assessment of contemporary standardization aspects.
Main Results:
- Significant progress has been made in developing antifungal susceptibility testing methods.
- Challenges remain in achieving full standardization and reproducibility.
- Global investigations are ongoing to create predictive laboratory tests.
Conclusions:
- Standardized in vitro antifungal susceptibility testing is crucial for optimizing treatment of fungal infections.
- Continued research and collaboration are needed to overcome standardization challenges.
- Development of reliable methods will aid clinicians in selecting appropriate antifungal drugs.