infectious diseases
Candidiasis
Key Points
Unlike other fungal infections, invasive candidiasis is usually due to endogenous organisms. Invasive infection typically occurs in patients who are immunocompromised and/or who are hospitalized, particularly those who have had surgery or been given broad-spectrum antibiotics. Positive cultures of specimens taken from normally sterile sites (eg, blood, cerebrospinal fluid, tissue biopsy specimens) are needed to distinguish invasive infection from normal colonization; serum (1,3)beta-D-glucan is often positive in patients with invasive candidiasis. A T2Candida Panel on whole blood can be used to diagnose aCandidablood infection. Use an echinocandin if patients are severely or critically ill or if infection withN. glabrata,C. auris, orP. kudriavzevii(C. krusei) is suspected. Usefluconazoleif patients are clinically stable, if infection withC. albicansorC. parapsilosisis suspected, or once antifungal susceptibilities become available. 