Fungal infection

Definitive diagnosis with blood cultures may be very late in the course. Instead the use of clinical features combined with colonization of sites allows much earlier diagnosis based on probability rather than certainty and, thereby, prompt intervention. The range of drugs available has proliferated over the last few years. New azoles have a better spectrum for the species of Candida now prevalent and also for Aspergillus. The echinocandins also offer a broader spectrum of activity with and toxicity. The potential roles of these agents and the existing drugs are discussed.