The antifungal activity of caspofungin in combination with antifungals or non-antifungals against species and in clinical therapy.

INTRODUCTION

species have been regarded as global health threats due to their ability to cause invasive infections. It is challenging to treat bloodstream infections, which are associated with high mortality levels. Monotherapy with antifungals is sometimes not effective against severe infections, and combination therapy is needed in clinical practice.

AREAS COVERED

This review was undertaken based on data from a PubMed search for English language reports published before March 2021 by using the terms 'caspofungin,' ' species,' 'combination therapy,' 'antifungal effect,' and 'novel antifungal agent.'

EXPERT OPINION

Combination therapy is an empirical strategy for treating refractory infections. Caspofungin has been recommended to treat candidaemia. Caspofungin in combination therapy has some applications, while the efficacy of combination therapy in the treatment of refractory infections needs more study, such as randomized controlled trials. In addition, novel compounds or drugs with potential antifungal activities have been examined, and some of them exhibit synergistic interactions with caspofungin. Thus, the antifungal activity of caspofungin in combination with antifungals or non-antifungals against species and in clinical therapy is summarized.