Abstract
Candidemia is the fourth most frequent health care-associated bloodstream infection,
and the most frequent severe fungal infection developing in critically ill patients
in intensive care units (ICUs). Diagnosis of candidemia in ICU patients is a complex
task made of both early and late assessments involving both conventional diagnostic
methods and novel rapid tests. Management strategies to optimize treatment of candidemia
can be challenging and include starting early adequate therapy, use of an adequate
dose and duration of therapy, de-escalating treatment whenever possible, and early
discontinuation of useless antifungals in those with no definitive diagnosis of fungal
infection. Herein, we will discuss recent epidemiological data on candidemia in ICUs
and current diagnostic techniques before concentrating on antifungal treatments.
Keywords
Candida
- ICU - diagnosis - biomarker - pre-emptive - echinocandins - source control - antifungals