Candidiasis: Implications for Intensivists and Pulmonologists

Abstract

The incidence of invasive candidiasis has increased markedly in recent years in immunocompromised and intensive care patients. High morbidity, mortality, and economic cost of candidiasis; limited sensitivity of available diagnostic techniques, outbreaks of Candida cross-infection in surgical and ICU patients, emergence of non-albicans Candida species, and increase in antifungal resistance are some of the major developments reviewed in this paper. New diagnostic techniques and therapeutic agents and strategies are being developed for the management of serious Candida infections.

Key Words:

candidiasis - candidemia - empiric presumptive therapy