Abstract
In the last 2 decades, Candida species have progressed from infrequent pathogens to among the most important and frequent opportunistic microorganisms causing nosocomial infection in intensive care unit (ICU) patients. Medical and surgical ICUs have become the epicenter of the Candida epidemic. Superficial infections causing oropharyngeal and esophageal candidiasis are common, and, although non-life threatening, may be refractory to conventional antifungals. In contrast, invasive candidiasis, candidemia, and hematogenous disseminated infections are associated with considerable attributable mortality. Although blood isolates of C. albicans remain susceptible to fluconazole, the increasing incidence of non-albicans Candida species with intrinsic reduced susceptibility to azoles creates new therapeutic challenges. Fortunately, lipid formulations of amphotericin B and the recently introduced echinocandin group represent new and strategic treatment responses to the challenge of invasive candidiasis.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 99-111 |
Number of pages | 13 |
Journal | Seminars in Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine |
Volume | 24 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Feb 2003 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Candida infections
- Candidiasis
- ICU
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine
- Critical Care and Intensive Care Medicine