IFI (Invasive Fungus Infection)

There are millions of fungal species, but only a few hundred of them can make people sick. Molds, yeasts, and mushrooms are all types of fungi.

Invasive fungal infections (IFIs) are life-threatening conditions especially in the context of immunosuppression, but also frequently in non-neutropenic patients, mainly in those requiring treatment in an intensive-care unit. The rapid diagnostic and optimal management are of high importance to mitigate the high morbidity and mortality rate & Both culture and microscopy remain the gold standard for IFD diagnosis2. Moreover, they are associated with a high economic burden, due to the prolonged hospitalization, need for intensive supportive care, and the consumption of costly new antifungal agents.

The spectrum of fungi causing IFIs is changing due to changes in clinical practice4. Candida infections constitute a major component of healthcare-associated IFIs and are associated with 20–40% of all-cause mortality, with an attributable mortality of 15–35% in adults and 10–15% in neonates

Currently, there are four main classes of antifungal drugs: polyenes, azoles, allylamines and echinocandins

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