Drug Clues for the Treatment of Fungal Catheter-Related Bloodstream Infection With Antifungal Lock Therapy.

BACKGROUND

Biofilm formation often represents significant challenges in managing of bloodstream infections associated with catheter use.

OBJECTIVE

Antimicrobial lock therapy serves as an adjunctive treatment for catheter-related infections, effectively eradicating or inhibiting biofilm growth.

METHODS

This review synthesizes the current knowledge on antifungal lock therapy (ALT) targeting clinically common fungi, primarily Candida species, based on both in vitro and in vivo studies (animals and patients) from the past decade.

RESULTS

Amphotericin B (AmB) and echinocandins are identified as the most promising antifungal agents for ALT. Combinations of antifungal agents with other compounds, such as farnesol, Neosartorya fischeri antifungal protein 2, 8-hydroxyquinoline-5-(N-4-chlorophenyl) sulfonamide, and polyurethane, have also shown efficacy in ALT. Additionally, ethanol, doxycycline, tigecycline, and minocycline lock solutions can be effective in treating fungal infections.

CONCLUSION

More comprehensive investigations and additional rigorous clinical trials are essential to thoroughly understand the safety and efficacy of ALT. This will facilitate the development of novel treatments for catheter-related fungal infections, thereby improving clinical outcomes.