Candidiasis in the intensive care unit

J. D. Sobel, J. Vazquez

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

7 Scopus citations

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 languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)99-111
Number of pages13
JournalSeminars in Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine
Volume24
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 2003
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Candida infections
  • Candidiasis
  • ICU

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine
  • Critical Care and Intensive Care Medicine

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