title: Candidemia and invasive candidiasis in adults: A narrative review.
abstract: Candidemia and invasive candidiasis are major causes of morbidity and mortality, and their incidence is increasing because of the growing complexity of patients. Five species of Candida (Candida albicans, Candida glabrata, Candida parapsilosis, Candida tropicalis and Candida krusei) account for more than 90% of all diagnosed cases, but their relative frequency varies depending on the population involved, geographical region, previous anti-fungal exposure, and patient age. The best evidence regarding the anti-fungal treatment for invasive candidiasis comes from randomized controlled trials in which more than 85% of the recruited patients had candidemia. In the case of less frequent forms of invasive candidiasis, the recommendations are based on retrospective studies, meta-analyses (when available) and experts' opinions. A pre-emptive approach based on biomarkers and clinical rules is recommended because of the high rate of infection-related mortality among critically ill patients.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical and Biomedical Sciences "Luigi Sacco", University of Milano, Milano, Italy; III Division of Infectious Diseases, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, Luigi Sacco Hospital, Milano, Italy. Electronic address: spinello.antinori@unimi.it.
authors.forename: Spinello
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Antinori
authors.affiliation: III Division of Infectious Diseases, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, Luigi Sacco Hospital, Milano, Italy.
authors.forename: Laura
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Milazzo
authors.affiliation: III Division of Infectious Diseases, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, Luigi Sacco Hospital, Milano, Italy.
authors.forename: Salvatore
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Sollima
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical and Biomedical Sciences "Luigi Sacco", University of Milano, Milano, Italy; III Division of Infectious Diseases, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, Luigi Sacco Hospital, Milano, Italy.
authors.forename: Massimo
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Galli
authors.affiliation: III Division of Infectious Diseases, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, Luigi Sacco Hospital, Milano, Italy.
authors.forename: Mario
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Corbellino
mesh_terms: D000935:Antifungal Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002175:Candida / Q000145:classification; D058387:Candidemia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D058365:Candidiasis, Invasive / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D025141:Drug Resistance, Fungal; D042241:Early Diagnosis; D054714:Echinocandins / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D008826:Microbial Sensitivity Tests; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
chemical_list: D000935:Antifungal Agents; D054714:Echinocandins
keywords: Antifungal therapy; Candidemia; Diagnosis; Guidelines; Invasive candidiasis; Resistance