Invasive candidiasis is a fungal infection that arises when Candida enters the bloodstream and disseminates throughout the body. In the United States, Candida ranks as the fourth most frequent cause of bloodstream infections among hospitalized patients. A study indicated that candidemia, which is a bloodstream infection due to Candida, affects 8 out of every 100,000 individuals annually. Those at an increased risk for developing candidemia include premature infants, surgical patients, and individuals with weakened immune systems.The symptoms of invasive candidiasis are often nonspecific. The most common signs include persistent fever and chills that do not improve with antibiotic therapy. If the infection reaches deep-seated organs like the kidneys, liver, bones, muscles, joints, or eyes, additional symptoms may appear, varying based on the affected area. Without effective treatment, the infection can lead to organ failure and potentially be fatal.This condition can develop when Candida, commonly residing in a person's digestive tract, enters the bloodstream. Occasionally, it may also result from Candida-contaminated medical equipment or devices. In both scenarios, the infection can spread throughout the body.Diagnosis of invasive candidiasis typically involves culturing blood or tissue samples or examining infected tissue under a microscope. Treatment generally includes the administration of amphotericin B intravenously, although azole drugs may also be used, either orally or through IV.
