Invasive Candidiasis in the Intensive Care Setting

Management of Invasive Candidiasis (IC) is one of the hottest topics while caring for critically ill patients: of the utmost importance are clear definitions of the deep-seated invasive infections caused by Candida spp., to have appropriate and correct epidemiological data. Both conventional (hystopathological and microbiological) and newer, nonconventional diagnostic approaches (antigen based biomarkers, molecular tests, genetic tests) will be also shortly reviewed. Predictive rules and clinical scores able to identify patients at a high risk for developing IC infections will be analyzed according to the most recent data. Treatment strategies (prophylaxis, preemptive, empirical, and targeted therapy) according to the most recent definitions and the latest guidelines (IDSA 2010; ESCMID/EFIGS, 2011–2012) will be finally considered.