title: [Scientific evidence supporting the use of micafungin in the treatment of invasive candidiasis].
abstract: Micafungin is a semisynthetic lipopeptide developed from Coleophoma empetri, which blocks the synthesis of β-1,3-D-glucan, an essential component of the fungal wall, though non-competitive inhibition of β-1,3-D-glucan synthetase. Micafungin is a dose-dependent candidacidal agent with excellent in vitro efficacy against most Candida spp. including species resistant to amphotericin B, such as Candida lusitaniae, several azoles, such as C. glabrata or C. krusei, and isolates not susceptible to other echinocandins. Moreover, this drug is active against Candida biofilms. Micafungin is a first-line drug for the treatment of candidemias and invasive candidiasis in adults and children (including neonates). This drug is approved for use in the treatment of invasive candidiasis and Candida esophagitis, as well as in the prophylaxis of Candida infections in hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients or those at risk of prolonged neutropenia. Micafungin can be used both in the treatment and prevention of candidiasis in neonates, children, adolescents, adults, and the elderly, making it highly useful in patient groups in which the use of other antifungal drugs has not been authorized.
authors.affiliation: Unidad de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Hospital Universitario de Cruces, Barakaldo, España. josemiguelmontejo@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Miguel
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Montejo
authors.forename: Guillermo
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Quindós
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000818:Animals; D000935:Antifungal Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018441:Biofilms / Q000187:drug effects; D002175:Candida / Q000187:drug effects / Q000201:enzymology / Q000648:ultrastructure; D058365:Candidiasis, Invasive / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002473:Cell Wall / Q000187:drug effects; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004353:Drug Evaluation, Preclinical; D054714:Echinocandins / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004941:Esophagitis / Q000188:drug therapy; D005656:Fungal Proteins / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors; D005964:Glucosyltransferases / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors; D006801:Humans; D016867:Immunocompromised Host; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D055666:Lipopeptides / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000077551:Micafungin; D051379:Mice; D008875:Middle Aged; D015337:Multicenter Studies as Topic; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control; D013045:Species Specificity; D014180:Transplantation; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D000935:Antifungal Agents; D054714:Echinocandins; D005656:Fungal Proteins; D055666:Lipopeptides; D005964:Glucosyltransferases; C559403:beta-1,3-D-glucan synthetase, Candida albicans; D000077551:Micafungin