Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Candidemia
Introduction
For patient information, click here
Synonyms and keywords: Candidemia; candedemia; invasive candidiasis
Overview
Overview
Fungemia is the presence of fungi or yeasts in the blood. It is most commonly seen in immunosuppressed or immunocompromised patients with severe neutropenia, oncology patients, or in patients with intravenous catheters. Recently, it has been suggested the otherwise immunocompetent patients taking infliximab may be at a higher risk for fungemia.
Causes
The most commonly known pathogen
- Candida albicans, causing roughly 70% of fungemias
- Candida glabrata with 10%
- Aspergillus with 1%.
- Tinea glabrata
- Candida tropicalis
- C. krusei
- C. parapsilosis
Risk Factors
Immunocompromised patients, long term severe illnesses, use of broad spectrum antibiotics and colonization of fungi are the major risk factors for development of fungemia.
Diagnosis
History and Symptoms
Symptoms can range from mild to extreme, often described as extreme flu-like symptoms. Pain, mental disorders, chronic fatigue,infections, are a few of the long list of associated symptoms with Fungemia.
Laboratory Findings
The diagnosis is complicated, as routine blood cultures have poor sensitivity.
Treatment
Medical Therapy
Treatment involves use of antifungals, e.g. fluconazole or amphotericin.
References
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Historical Perspective
Please help WikiDoc by adding content here. It’s easy! Click here to learn about editing.
References
Pathophysiology
Please help WikiDoc by adding content here. It’s easy! Click here to learn about editing.
References
Causes
Please help WikiDoc by adding more content here. It’s easy! Click here to learn about editing.
Causes
The most commonly known pathogen
- Candida albicans, causing roughly 70% of fungemias
- Candida glabrata with 10%
- Aspergillus with 1%.
- Tinea glabrata
- Candida tropicalis
- C. krusei
- C. parapsilosis
References
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Differentiating Fungemia from other Diseases
Please help WikiDoc by adding content here. It’s easy! Click here to learn about editing.
References
Epidemiology and Demographics
Please help WikiDoc by adding content here. It’s easy! Click here to learn about editing.
References
Risk Factors
Overview
Immunocompromised patients, long term severe illnesses, use of broad spectrum antibiotics and colonization of fungi are the major risk factors for development of fungemia.
Risk Factors
The two most important risk factors are:
- Use of broad-spectrum antibiotics
- Colonization by fungi (see e.g. candidiasis)
Other risk factors include:
- Dialysis
- Diabetes
- Lowered intestinal flora
- Suppressed Immune system
- Central venous catheter
- High severity of illness
- Multiple abdominal surgeries
- Use of steroids
- burns
References
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
Please help WikiDoc by adding content here. It’s easy! Click here to learn about editing.
References
Diagnosis
Diagnosis
History and Symptoms | Physical Examination | Laboratory Findings| Other Diagnostic Studies
Treatment
Treatment
Medical Therapy | Prevention | Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy | Future or Investigational Therapies
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]