Les échinocandines : mise au point

Echinocandins are a major tool in the antifungal armentarium, acting by inhibition of the β-1,3 glucan synthesis, a major component of the fungal wall. Three semi-synthetic echinocandin molecules have been developed for clinical use: caspofungin, micafungin and anidulafungin. They display a wide spectrum of activity, excluding Cryptococcus neoformans and mucorales, excellent tolerance profile and lack of significant interactions with cytochrome P450 enzymes. They all exert antibiofilm effect and have been proven effective in adult and pediatric population, including neonates. High cost and ecological impact should be kept in mind and guide appropriate prescription.