The case for antifungal stewardship

Abstract

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) has overwhelmingly focussed on antibiotics while antifungal agents have been largely neglected despite the few published audits of antifungal drug use demonstrating clear deficiencies in prescribing behaviour. In this review, we outline not only the elements of antifungal stewardship (AFS) in common with AMS but also features specific to antifungal drugs, combined with insights from our experience in AFS. RECENT FINDINGS: Invasive fungal diseases (IFDs) have a lower institutional incidence relative to infections caused by multiresistant bacteria, but their health and economic burden are substantial. Pharmacy costs inclusive of antifungal age..