ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION Given the difficulties inherent in diagnosing and treating invasive fungal infections (IFIs), much attention has been given to the role of prophylaxis against fungal infections. Key components of a successful prophylactic strategy include the following: identification of appropriate high-risk patients, identification of which fungi are most likely to cause infection, effort to decrease risk of infection through nonpharmacologic mechanisms (e.g., laminar air flow rooms to decrease risk of invasive mold infections in hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients), and selection of the appropriate drug at the appropriate dose to provide effective prophylaxis while minimizing side effects and adverse drug reactions. This chapter will provide evidence for prophylaxis against both yeast and mold infections in high-risk settings.
