The incidence of invasive fungal infections in the critical care setting has steadily increased in the past couple of decades. Candidaspp. are the fourth most common cause of nosocomial bloodstream infections worldwide. Can- didiasis and other invasive mycotic infections have been widely reported in intensive care units (ICU). These infec- tions are particularly severe, with mortality rates ranging from 35% to 60%. Preventing their development is very enticing but treatment can be costly, both financially and with regard to resistance and toxicity. On the other hand pre-emptive treatment has been found a very useful strategy in reducing the incidence of ICU-acquired proven invasive mycotic infection in highly colonized patients. The modern diagnostic approach consists of using all avail- able diagnostic means, including antigen and antibody detection, PCR techniques, early indication of high resolu- tion CT scan and possibly tissue biopsy for histological confirmation. Current therapy recommendations are evi- dence based and include: 1. Voriconazole has become the 1st line treatment of invasive aspergillosis; 2. The range of antifungals used for the 1st line treatment in invasive candidiasis is now wider – caspofungin and voriconazole as well as amphotericin B and fluconazole; 3. Caspofungin and voriconazole have also proved useful in empiric antifungal therapy.

        Key words: invasive mycosis – Candida – Aspergillus – antifungals – infection – sepsis