17th February 2025

Candidal pneumonia

Candidal pneumonia, caused by Candida, may occur in the immunosuppressed, especially in transplant patients. Due to the neutropenia required for bone marrow transplantation, these patients are particularly susceptible. Pulmonary involvement with candidal infection is non specific but carries a high mortality and the patient may be severely unwell.

A T2 magnetic resonance (T2MR) assay will be positive but a transbronchial or surgical lung biopsy is required for a definitive diagnosis. Treatment is with an antifungal such as fluconazole or amphotericin B.