Invasive candidiasis is a serious fungal infection that can cause widespread damage in at-risk individuals. Many people develop these infections in hospital settings, often after surgery. They can also accompany the placement of a medical device, such as a catheter.
Invasive candidiasis can be life-threatening, so prompt treatment with antifungal drugs is crucial. Here is what patients can expect during treatment.
Doctors typically use two classes of antifungal medications to manage invasive candidiasis in patients:
People with invasive candidiasis typically receive echinocandins first and switch to an azole medication once the infection shows improvement. Doctors can also prescribe amphotericin B, which is reserved for severe and possibly life-threatening infections.
The duration of antifungal treatment depends on the severity of the infection. Patients will be repeatedly tested while antifungal medications are administered to determine whether they are effective. Treatment usually continues for two weeks after improvement of symptoms, although it may last longer in some cases.
If you carry a high risk of invasive candidiasis, your doctor may prescribe a prophylactic (preventative) regimen of antifungal drugs. While these medications can effectively stop new infections, they also carry risks of your own. That is why prophylactic treatment is reserved for serious cases, such as people with compromised immune function or those with permanent medical devices.