Candidiasis - has anything changed in the way we manage these patients?

Abstract

Candida albicans remains an infection of the very old, the very young and the medically compromised patient. It not only affects the oral cavity but C. albicans biofilms form on most prosthetic devices and indwelling catheters with life-threatening consequences. The behaviour of this organism in biofilm formation has received much research interest. Understanding disease processes and the importance of prevention and disruption of C. albicans biofilms lie at the heart of successful treatment of such infections. Of equal importance is that patients also understand the rationale behind the treatment which will encourage adherence to the prescribed rigour. Experience in the South African context, together with the latest scientific evidence regarding the behaviour of C. albicans, is shared with the objective of enabling treatment leading to the effective and efficient resolution of the infection, but also to describe measures appropriate to prevent invasion by the organism.