(1/12) Where is fluconazole resistant yeast MOST difficult to treat?

(2/12) While each present unique issues
Fluconazole resistant fungal urinary tract infections (UTI) are particularly challenging. The rationale will require an adventure into antifungal PK…

(3/12) Let’s start with the basics
Most fungal UTIs are caused by C. albicans & other Candida spp.
Yeast in urine usually
non-pathogenic.
How do you know if it is pathogenic? ✓ for predisposing factors &
for symptoms.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21498839/

Yeast in urine usually

How do you know if it is pathogenic? ✓ for predisposing factors &

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21498839/
(4/12) Symptomatic
treat! Due to the PK profile, fluconazole = Candida spp. cystitis DOC if susceptible.
☟study: Fluconazole ↑↑ [tissue]/[plasma] ratio, Fluconazole [urine] >> [plasma]x 10!
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2543281/

☟study: Fluconazole ↑↑ [tissue]/[plasma] ratio, Fluconazole [urine] >> [plasma]x 10!
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2543281/
(5/12) So what if fluconazole is resistant?
For most infections with C. glabrata or krusei
itra, vori, and posa; BUT, these are
suitable for cystitis!
For most infections with C. glabrata or krusei




(6/12) Let’s review urinary penetration of different antifungals.
Only flucytosine and IV AmB are widely accepted to have adequate urinary penetration ☟
https://academic.oup.com/cid/article/43/Supplement_1/S28/318707

https://academic.oup.com/cid/article/43/Supplement_1/S28/318707
(7/12) What about Echinocandins? Despite minimal urinary penetration
Case reports have demonstrated successful
TX of Candida UTIs w/ mica & caspo… though the use of these agents for cystitis is
routinely recommended and more evidence is needed 
https://dig.pharmacy.uic.edu/faqs/2019-2/august-2019-faqs/is-there-evidence-to-support-the-use-of-echinocandins-for-urinary-tract-infection/




https://dig.pharmacy.uic.edu/faqs/2019-2/august-2019-faqs/is-there-evidence-to-support-the-use-of-echinocandins-for-urinary-tract-infection/
(8/12) Does the formulation of AmB matter? YES!
Lipid AmB << AmB deoxy for nephrotoxicity/infusion rxns but literature suggests liposomal has poor [kidney/urine] penetration… AND… Candida UTI treatment failure with liposomal AmB is reported.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10530471/
Lipid AmB << AmB deoxy for nephrotoxicity/infusion rxns but literature suggests liposomal has poor [kidney/urine] penetration… AND… Candida UTI treatment failure with liposomal AmB is reported.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10530471/
(9/12) Don’t forget about flucytosine! Not generally our first thought… but a viable option in some Candida cystitis.
Resistance develops quickly with monotherapy so TX for 7-10d only. Renally dosed and
for hepatotoxicity
Resistance develops quickly with monotherapy so TX for 7-10d only. Renally dosed and


(10/12) Looking for non-standard routes of admin? AmB deoxy can be administered as a bladder irrigation 
Irrigations can be done continuously [50mg/L] for 5-7d and may resolve Candida cystitis in > 90% of patients, however…
relapse rates are high! https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7109077/

Irrigations can be done continuously [50mg/L] for 5-7d and may resolve Candida cystitis in > 90% of patients, however…

(11/12) Short courses of IV AmB deoxy can be considered for cystitis. In fact, single doses of AmB deoxy have produced fungicidal concentrations in urine for days-weeks after x1 IV dose! 
This graph shows AmB urine conc. following x1 IV dose in 3 patients.

This graph shows AmB urine conc. following x1 IV dose in 3 patients.
(12/12)
So… let’s recap!
Fluconazole is DOC in susceptible Candida spp. UTIs
Flucytosine & AmB are 1st line options w/strong evidence for fluconazole R isolates
AmB formulation matters & don't forget to monitor for ADRs!
Echinocandin PK is
and evidence is limited
So… let’s recap!




