Current approaches to the treatment of Candida albicans infections

Abstract

Candida albicans infections, once considered rare, are increasing in occurrence. This increase is due to the greater number of immunocompromised people undergoing cancer therapies or infected with HIV. Currently, candidal infections are typically treated with either azole or polyene antifungal agents, although with the increased occurrence of C. albicans infections, there have also been reports of resistance to these agents. While the latest generation of azoles has remained effective, these drugs often have unpleasant side effects. The development of antifungal resistance and the side effects of new generation azoles have created a demand for new antifungal treatments. In response to this, over 200 patents have been filed in the past few years. These new agents include antifungal proteins and combinations of new and previously existing drugs.

• 1-3β glucan synthase inhibitors
• antifungals
• azoles
• Candida albicans
• echinocandins
• macrolides
• polyenes