infectious diseases
Candidiasis
Disseminated candidiasis
Neutropenic patients (eg, during cancer chemotherapy) are at high risk of developing life-threatening disseminated candidiasis. Candidemia may occur in nonneutropenic patients during prolonged hospitalization. This bloodstream infection is often related to one or more of the following: Central venous catheters Major surgery Broad-spectrum antibacterial therapy IV hyperalimentation IV lines and the GI tract are the usual portals of entry. Candidemia often prolongs hospitalization and increases mortality due to concurrent disorders. Candidemia may occur with other forms of invasive candidiasis, such as endocarditis or meningitis, as well as focal involvement of skin, subcutaneous tissues, bones, joints, liver, spleen, kidneys, eyes, and other tissues. Endocarditis is commonly related to IV use of illicit drugs, valve replacement, or intravascular trauma induced by indwelling IV catheters. All forms of disseminated candidiasis should be considered serious, progressive, and potentially fatal. 