Impact of Treatment Strategy on Candidemia and Invasive Candidiasis: A Patient Level Meta-Analysis

Fungal infections in the bloodstream, known as candidemia, are a serious health concern in hospitals. These infections are caused by Candida species, a type of fungus that can enter the bloodstream and lead to life-threatening illness. In the United States, Candida infections are one of the most common bloodstream infections in hospitalized patients. Candidemia can lead to longer hospital stays, higher medical costs, and an increased risk of death.

In recent years, a growing number of these infections have been caused by non-albicans species of Candida, which means that treatment choices have become more complicated. A newly emerging species, Candida auris, has posed additional challenges because it is often resistant to common antifungal treatments. Invasive candidiasis, another serious fungal infection, can be difficult to treat because the infection spreads to different parts of the body, making it harder for antifungal medications to reach affected areas.
New antifungal medications, such as rezafungin and certain triazole drugs, have been introduced to improve treatment outcomes. Rezafungin and triazole drugs works by blocking the production essential components of the fungal cell wall so that they become weak and are unable to survive. However, doctors and researchers still need a better understanding of how effective these newer treatments are compared to older options.

This project will involve a systematic review and meta-analysis of existing research. A systematic review is a method used to collect and analyze findings from multiple studies on a particular topic, while a meta-analysis combines the results of these studies to identify overall trends. By analyzing data from multiple studies, we aim to provide clearer guidance on the best ways to treat these infections.