Candidemia
1 medicine
Candidemia is a Candida yeast infection of the bloodstream, most often seen in hospitalised patients. It needs prompt antifungal treatment because of its mortality risk.
Key facts
- Candidemia is a Candida yeast infection of the bloodstream. It is one of the more serious fungal infections seen in hospital settings and carries a significant mortality risk if treatment is delayed.
- Unlike superficial fungal infections of the skin or mucous membranes, candidemia spreads through the blood and can seed organs including the heart, kidneys and eyes.
- It almost always occurs in people whose defences are already compromised: prolonged intensive-care stays, central venous catheters, broad-spectrum antibiotic use, recent abdominal surgery, or conditions that weaken immunity such as blood cancers or uncontrolled diabetes.
- Treatment relies on antifungals given intravenously or orally, with voriconazole used in selected cases; anyone with suspected candidemia needs hospital evaluation without delay.
Who is at risk
Candidemia almost always occurs in people whose defences are already compromised. Common risk factors include prolonged stays in intensive care, central venous catheters, broad-spectrum antibiotic use, recent abdominal surgery, and conditions that weaken immunity such as blood cancers or uncontrolled diabetes. Rising rates of hospitalisation and greater use of invasive medical procedures have made candidemia an increasingly reported healthcare-associated infection.
How candidemia is treated
Treatment relies on antifungals given intravenously or orally, depending on the Candida species identified and the patient's clinical status. Voriconazole is active against most Candida species and is used in selected cases, particularly where azole-susceptible strains are confirmed. The choice of agent is guided by culture and sensitivity results, since resistance patterns vary.
When to seek care
Anyone suspected of having candidemia, persistent fever, chills, or signs of organ involvement despite antibiotic therapy, should be evaluated in a hospital without delay. Blood cultures guide both diagnosis and the choice of antifungal, so testing is started before treatment is adjusted wherever possible.
This page is educational and does not replace advice from a doctor or pharmacist who knows your health history.