Prophylaxis and treatment of invasive candidiasis in the intensive care setting.

The term "invasive candidiasis" encompasses a group of infections of increasing relevance in the intensive care setting. Prophylaxis is an attractive strategy when dealing with diseases of high prevalence, morbidity, and mortality. The success of prophylaxis is determined by the selection of a population at high risk and the use of the safest and most effective drug. Although risk factors for this disease are known, risk assessment strategies need to be developed to predict a high likelihood of disease so that targeted prophylaxis can be offered. Recent advances in antifungal therapy, such as development of the azoles and echinocandins, have resulted in excellent prophylactic and therapeutic choices for the management of this problem.