Invasive Candidiasis in the Intensive Care Unit: Where Are We Now?

Invasive fungal infections in the intensive care unit (ICU) are not uncommon and most cases are caused by <i>Candida</i> species, specifically <i>Candida albicans</i>. However, recently, there has been an increase in non-<i>albicans Candida</i> spp. (<i>C. g...

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Main Authors: Jose A. Vazquez, Lissette Whitaker, Ana Zubovskaia
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-03-01
Series:Journal of Fungi
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2309-608X/11/4/258
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author Jose A. Vazquez
Lissette Whitaker
Ana Zubovskaia
author_facet Jose A. Vazquez
Lissette Whitaker
Ana Zubovskaia
author_sort Jose A. Vazquez
collection DOAJ
description Invasive fungal infections in the intensive care unit (ICU) are not uncommon and most cases are caused by <i>Candida</i> species, specifically <i>Candida albicans</i>. However, recently, there has been an increase in non-<i>albicans Candida</i> spp. (<i>C. glabrata</i>; <i>C. parapsilosis</i>) causing invasive fungal infections. This has led to an increasing awareness of this infection due to the increase in documented antifungal resistance in many of these <i>Candida</i> species. In addition, manifestations of invasive candidiasis are often non-specific, and the diagnosis remains extremely challenging. Unfortunately, delays in antifungal therapy continue to hamper the morbidity; length of stay; and the mortality of these infections. Although the echinocandins are the drugs of choice in these infections, antifungal resistance among the non-<i>albicans</i> species (<i>C. glabrata</i>; <i>C. krusei</i>; <i>C. auris</i>; <i>C. parapsilosis</i>) is being observed more frequently. This has led to an increase in morbidity and mortality, specifically in critically ill patients. Overall, the diagnosis and management of invasive candidiasis in the ICU remain challenging. It is imperative that the critical care physician keeps this infection at the forefront of their differential diagnosis in order to decrease the mortality rate of these individuals. In this review, we discuss the current epidemiologic trends, diagnosis, and management of invasive candidiasis in the intensive care unit setting.
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spelling doaj-art-86e164c74bac497ab11aab9b0a60d3a22025-08-20T03:13:50ZengMDPI AGJournal of Fungi2309-608X2025-03-0111425810.3390/jof11040258Invasive Candidiasis in the Intensive Care Unit: Where Are We Now?Jose A. Vazquez0Lissette Whitaker1Ana Zubovskaia2Division of Infectious Disease, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, 1120 15th Street, Augusta, GA 30912, USADivision of Infectious Disease, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, 1120 15th Street, Augusta, GA 30912, USADivision of Infectious Disease, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, 1120 15th Street, Augusta, GA 30912, USAInvasive fungal infections in the intensive care unit (ICU) are not uncommon and most cases are caused by <i>Candida</i> species, specifically <i>Candida albicans</i>. However, recently, there has been an increase in non-<i>albicans Candida</i> spp. (<i>C. glabrata</i>; <i>C. parapsilosis</i>) causing invasive fungal infections. This has led to an increasing awareness of this infection due to the increase in documented antifungal resistance in many of these <i>Candida</i> species. In addition, manifestations of invasive candidiasis are often non-specific, and the diagnosis remains extremely challenging. Unfortunately, delays in antifungal therapy continue to hamper the morbidity; length of stay; and the mortality of these infections. Although the echinocandins are the drugs of choice in these infections, antifungal resistance among the non-<i>albicans</i> species (<i>C. glabrata</i>; <i>C. krusei</i>; <i>C. auris</i>; <i>C. parapsilosis</i>) is being observed more frequently. This has led to an increase in morbidity and mortality, specifically in critically ill patients. Overall, the diagnosis and management of invasive candidiasis in the ICU remain challenging. It is imperative that the critical care physician keeps this infection at the forefront of their differential diagnosis in order to decrease the mortality rate of these individuals. In this review, we discuss the current epidemiologic trends, diagnosis, and management of invasive candidiasis in the intensive care unit setting.https://www.mdpi.com/2309-608X/11/4/258<i>Candida</i>candidemiainvasive candidiasisantifungals
spellingShingle Jose A. Vazquez
Lissette Whitaker
Ana Zubovskaia
Invasive Candidiasis in the Intensive Care Unit: Where Are We Now?
Journal of Fungi
<i>Candida</i>
candidemia
invasive candidiasis
antifungals
title Invasive Candidiasis in the Intensive Care Unit: Where Are We Now?
title_full Invasive Candidiasis in the Intensive Care Unit: Where Are We Now?
title_fullStr Invasive Candidiasis in the Intensive Care Unit: Where Are We Now?
title_full_unstemmed Invasive Candidiasis in the Intensive Care Unit: Where Are We Now?
title_short Invasive Candidiasis in the Intensive Care Unit: Where Are We Now?
title_sort invasive candidiasis in the intensive care unit where are we now
topic <i>Candida</i>
candidemia
invasive candidiasis
antifungals
url https://www.mdpi.com/2309-608X/11/4/258
work_keys_str_mv AT joseavazquez invasivecandidiasisintheintensivecareunitwherearewenow
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