29th July 2023

Candidaemia

This refers to the presence of Candida in the bloodstream as septicaemia and is associated with severe disseminated illness. It may occur as a complication of localised infection and is generally only seen in immunocompromised patients. Invasive candidiasis refers to systemic infection but may or may not be associated with candidemia. Sites that may be affected by invasive candidiasis include the CNS, heart (i.e. endocarditis), bones, joints, abdomen, renal tract, and eyes.

This is a severe life-threatening illness that necessitates hospital management and parental treatment. The echinocandin caspofungin given IV is the first line, and IV fluconazole may also be used. Liposomal amphotericin B can be used in refractory cases.