title: Invasive candidiasis in the intensive care unit.
abstract: Invasive fungal disease by Candida spp. is on the rise in the modem era of prolonged patient survival by virtue of improved critical care measures, novel chemotherapy regimens, and increasing immunosuppression following organ transplants. Invasive candidiasis (IC) in the setting of an intensive care unit results in prolonged hospital stay and increased morbidity. Clinical suspicion plays a major role in the diagnosis of IC, as current laboratory methods are not very sensitive. Various serum markers and molecular techniques are under development to improve diagnostic strategies. Treatment options involve an expanding spectrum of antifungals. Knowledge of local epidemiology and the risk factors that predispose patients to this disease are essential for effective patient care in an intensive care setting.
authors.affiliation: Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Texas Medical School at Houston, Houston, TX, USA. sujatha.krishnan@uth.tmc.edu
authors.forename: Sujatha
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Krishnan
authors.forename: Luis
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Ostrosky-Zeichner
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D000935:Antifungal Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001393:Azoles / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015415:Biomarkers; D002177:Candidiasis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000382:microbiology / Q000628:therapy*; D018890:Chemoprevention; D003422:Critical Care / Q000379:methods*; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000382:microbiology / Q000628:therapy*; D003663:Decision Trees; D054714:Echinocandins / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005437:Flucytosine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016469:Fungemia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy*; D020445:Hospitalists / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D007362:Intensive Care Units; D008826:Microbial Sensitivity Tests; D009017:Morbidity; D018579:Patient Selection; D011090:Polyenes / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012307:Risk Factors; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity
chemical_list: D000935:Antifungal Agents; D001393:Azoles; D015415:Biomarkers; D054714:Echinocandins; D011090:Polyenes; D005437:Flucytosine