Fungal Diseases

Treatment & Outcomes of Invasive Candidiasis

Invasive candidiasis requires treatment with oral or intravenous (IV) antifungal medication for several weeks. The type and duration of antifungal treatment will depend on patient-specific factors such as age, immune status, and severity of infection. Treatment of invasive candidiasis should include prompt removal of catheters.

Neonates with invasive candidiasis should be treated with amphotericin B for at least 3 weeks. For clinically stable children and adults, fluconazole or an echinocandin (caspofungin, micafungin, or anidulafungin) is the recommended form of therapy. In critically ill patients, an echinocandin or a lipid formulation of amphotericin B is recommended. Treatment should continue for 2 weeks after signs and symptoms of candidemia have resolved and the Candida yeasts have been cleared from the bloodstream.

For healthcare providers: the most up-to-date clinical practice guidelines for the treatment of invasive candidiasis can be found at the Infectious Diseases Society of America website.