In vitro susceptibility testing in fungi: a global perspective on a variety of methods.
Candida and Aspergillus species are the most common causes of invasive fungal infections in immunocompromised patients. The introduction of new antifungal agents and recent reports of resistance emerging during treatment have highlighted the need for in vitro susceptibility testing. For some drugs, there is a supporting in vitro-in vivo correlation available from studies of clinical efficacy. Both intrinsic and emergent antifungal drug resistance are encountered. Various testing procedures have been proposed, including macrodilution and microdilution, agar diffusion, disk diffusion and Etest. Early recognition of infections caused by pathogens that are resistant to one or more antifungals is highly warranted to optimise treatment and patient outcome.
Lass-Flörl
Cornelia
C
Department of Hygiene, Microbiology and Social Medicine, Division of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck, Austria. cornelia.lass-floerl@i-med.ac.at
Perkhofer
Susanne
S
Mayr
Astrid
A
D000935:Antifungal Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D025141:Drug Resistance, Fungal; D005658:Fungi / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000302:isolation & purification; D006801:Humans; D008826:Microbial Sensitivity Tests / Q000379:methods*; D009181:Mycoses / Q000382:microbiology
D000935:Antifungal Agents