Global trends in candidemia: review of reports from 1995-2005.

Candida species are an important cause of health care-related bloodstream infections (BSI). Understanding the current Candida BSI incidence trends, the dominant species causing disease, and the mortality associated with this infection are important to help guide therapeutic and prophylaxis measures. In this review, trends in the incidence of Candida BSI are assessed using data extracted from reports published worldwide during 1995 to 2005. The incidence trend of Candida BSI was found to be stable for most of the reports reviewed, and Candida albicans remains the most common species causing Candida BSIs. Surveillance to monitor the burden of disease and emergence of resistance, among the general patient population and among high risk patient populations, should be continued.