Systemic candidiasis

Major risk factors are use of central venous catheters, exposure to broad-spectrum antibiotics, and neutropenia.

Blood cultures are only 70% to 80% sensitive in diagnosis.

Therapy should be started within 24 hours of diagnosis to improve outcome. Echinocandins or fluconazole are first-line choices.

Central venous catheters should be removed in non-neutropenic patients.

Ophthalmologic exam is required in all patients with candidemia.

Systemic candidiasis (acute disseminated candidiasis) is an infection of blood or other normally sterile site (e.g., pleural and peritoneal fluid) with Candida species, usually in association with fever, hypotension, and/or leukocytosis. Candida organisms may be disseminated to multiple sites, notably retina, kidney, liver and spleen, bones, and the central nervous system. Chronic disseminated candidiasis usually implies involvement of liver and/or spleen in association with recovery from chemotherapy-induced neutropenia.