ABSTRACT
Invasive fungal infections are emerging as important causes of morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised children. Candida spp. now constitute one of the most common causes of nosocomial infections, particularly in the setting of prolonged antibacterial therapy, chronic indwelling central venous catheters, granulocytopenia, complicated surgical procedures, and very low birth weight. Mucosal candidiasis is the most common opportunistic infection in HIV-infected patients. Therapeutic advances have improved understanding of existing antifungal drugs, particularly amphotericin B, and development of new compounds, especially antifungal triazoles. This chapter reviews the patterns of candidiasis in children and current approaches to antifungal therapy.
