Candida Sepsis: a New Entity?

Abstract

Despite progress in the field of biological sciences, a definitive diagnosis of Candida sepsis remains an elusive target. Candida, which is frequently found in non-immunocompromised patients in intensive care units, causes severe sepsis, septic shock, and multiple-organ failure in a similar fashion as bacteria. Despite its imprecision, the blood and/or sterile-site culture is still the gold standard for diagnosis, although new biological markers are becoming available for earlier and more accurate diagnosis of invasive candidiasis. Mortality remains high due to a number of factors, and early initiation of appropriate antifungal therapy is a critical factor in positive outcomes. Echinocandins are the drug of choice for severe Candida infections in hospitalized patients. Antifungal stewardship programs may decrease the likelihood of resistance strains, and preventive measures are becoming available to lower the rate of fungal infections in intensive care units.