American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Certification Practice Exam

What class of drugs is commonly used to treat invasive candidiasis?

1. Azoles

2. Echinocandins

3. Polyenes

4. Antivirals

The correct answer is: Echinocandins

Echinocandins are the class of antifungal drugs that are commonly used to treat invasive candidiasis. This class includes medications such as caspofungin, micafungin, and anidulafungin. Echinocandins work by inhibiting the synthesis of beta-glucan, an essential component of the fungal cell wall. This mechanism of action effectively disrupts the structural integrity of the fungus, leading to cell lysis and death, making echinocandins particularly effective for treating invasive infections caused by Candida species, especially in patients who are immunocompromised or critically ill. While azoles, such as fluconazole, are also used to treat Candida infections, they are typically more effective for superficial infections or less severe systemic infections than for severe, invasive candidiasis. Polyenes, like amphotericin B, are potent antifungals often used for more severe systemic fungal infections, but they are associated with significant side effects. Antivirals, on the other hand, target viral infections and are not effective against fungal pathogens. Owing to their efficacy and safety profile, echinocandins are often the preferred first-line treatment for invasive candidiasis, particularly in the context of azole-resistant