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Candidemia

Candidemia is a bloodstream infection caused by Candida yeast and is one form of invasive candidiasis that can seed organs.

Vfend

Voriconazole

200mg

Developed to target serious fungal infections, this medication is indicated to address invasive aspergillosis and is utilized in systemic treatment protocols.

From$31.20/ tabletView

Key takeaways

  • Risk is increased by central venous catheters, major abdominal surgery, intensive care, broad antibiotics and profound immune suppression.
  • Blood cultures identify many cases, but persistent fever in a high-risk patient may need repeated testing and specialist evaluation.
  • Treatment includes systemic antifungal medicine, source control and follow-up cultures; topical thrush treatments are not adequate.

The listings below are not for outpatient self-treatment; candidemia requires urgent hospital and infectious-disease management.

Finding the source and extent

Clinicians assess intravascular lines, abdominal infection and other possible sources. Repeat cultures confirm bloodstream clearance, while examination or imaging looks for complications according to symptoms. Species identification and susceptibility affect later antifungal choice.

Treatment principles

An echinocandin is commonly used initially in acutely ill adults, with step-down to another agent only when stability, species and susceptibility permit. Infected lines may need removal. Duration is counted from documented clearance and symptom resolution, and longer treatment is required when organs are involved.

When to seek urgent care

Candidemia is already an urgent condition. Seek emergency care for fever with confusion, fainting, severe weakness, breathing difficulty, very low urine output or rapidly worsening illness in a high-risk person.