A review on the risk factors, presentations and treatment of candidemia

Candida species are the most important fungal colonizer on the mucosal surfaces of human body such as genitourinary tract, oral cavity and gastrointestinal tract. Candida is the most important cause of fungal infections in worldwide. Candida infections can happen in almost any part of human body. Usually Candida species develops infection on mucous membranes but the fungi can cause bloodstream infection (candidemia). The Incidence of candidemia has increased significantly over the past decades. The purpose of this study was to review on recent knowledge concerning the risk factors, presentations and treatment of candidemia.
A comprehensive literature search of published studies from 1966 until 2016 in PubMed/MEDLINE and Iranian databases regarding candidemia was performed.
There are many risk factors for candidemia including: neutropenia, cancer, antibiotics, steroids, ICU admission and procedures. A widespread use of fluconazole is associated with the development of candidemia due to non- albicans species.
Candidemia is a disease with high morbidity and mortality due to difficulty in diagnosis and treatment.