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Update on the Diagnosis of Candidemia and Invasive Candidiasis

  • Advances in Diagnosis of Invasive Fungal Infections (O Morrissey, Section Editor)
  • Published:
Current Fungal Infection Reports Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of Review

This review summarizes the fungal diagnostic tests and clinical prediction rules available for use in patients at risk for developing invasive candidiasis (IC). The advantages and limitations of each method is described based on available literature.

Recent Findings

Available studies show elevated sensitivity and specificity of novel diagnostic tests such as T2Candida and fungal sequencing. They still remain to be incorporated into routine clinical practice.

Summary

The use B-D glucan, a major fungal wall component, is a sensitive tool to diagnose IC when consecutive positive results are found. Consecutively negative results allow discontinuation of empirical antifungal therapy, contributing to stewardship programs. T2Candida combines PCR and magnetic resonance to identify IC that is culture negative and monitor post-treatment candidemia clearance. Prediction rules using clinical risk factors for IC allows identification of patients likely to benefit from prophylaxis or early treatment.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, 15 Vasco de Quiroga St. Belisario Domínguez Seccion XVI Tlalpan, 14080, Mexico City, Mexico

    María F. Gonzalez-Lara

  2. Memorial Hermann Hospital, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA

    Luis Ostrosky-Zeichner

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  1. María F. Gonzalez-Lara
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Correspondence to María F. Gonzalez-Lara.

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Conflict of Interest

Maria Gonzalez-Lara reports personal fees and other from Pfizer, and personal fees from Grupo Biotoscana outside the submitted work. Luis Ostrosky-Zeichner reports personal fees and other from Pfizer; personal fees from Merck, Scynexis, Astellas, Gilead, The Medicines Company, Cidara, Aradigm, and Bayer outside the submitted work.

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Gonzalez-Lara, M.F., Ostrosky-Zeichner, L. Update on the Diagnosis of Candidemia and Invasive Candidiasis. Curr Fungal Infect Rep 13, 301–307 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12281-019-00367-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12281-019-00367-1

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