Invasive Candidiasis

Dear Colleagues,

Invasive Candidiasis (IC) is a major threat in hospitalized patients, especially among intensive care unit patients, and covers both deep-seated and bloodstream infections (candidemia). The mortality rate associated with IC can range from 35 to 75%, and despite the efforts and the introduction of new antifungal agents, it has not decreased in the past two decades. Colonization of the skin, and mucous membranes and the alteration or disruption of natural host barriers, like wounds, surgery, and the insertion of indwelling intravascular catheters, are the main predisposing factors for Candida infections. The difficulty in achieving a diagnosis, due to the nonspecific clinical symptoms and delayed laboratory detection methods, alongside the subsequent delay in the initiation of adequate antifungal therapy, are also a catalyst for this trend. Although C. albicans is the yeast most frequently isolated from IC patients, non-Candida albicans strains such as C. parapsilosis and especially C. glabrata are equally challenging. In recent years, C. auris has emerged as a major pathogen that must be considered of global public health importance.

The risk of death owing to IC inherently puts significant pressure on health care services, leading to increased hospital costs and a shortage of intensive care resources.

This Topic Collection highlights the importance of new diagnostic tools and antifungal drugs in managing invasive candidiasis. Original research or review papers on host–pathogen interactions and antifungal resistance are also welcome.

Dr. Sofia Costa de Oliveira
Collection Editor

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