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How to recognize the mysterious signs of invasive candidiasis? Have you seen these symptoms?
With the growth of pathogenic fungi in healthcare settings, invasive candidiasis has become an increasingly serious health threat. The disease is caused by various species of Candida, which can lead to complications such as bloodstream infection (later called fungemia), heart disease, and deep tissue infection. This set of symptoms can be confused with other medical conditions, making diagnosis more complicated.
Causes of invasive candidiasis
Of more than 150 Candida species, 15 are recognized to cause invasive candidiasis, including the most common C. albicans and C. glabrata. As time goes by, the problem of drug resistance in these species has become increasingly significant, especially the emerging C. auris, whose resistance to antifungal drugs has attracted widespread attention.
Symptoms and signs
The most common symptoms of invasive candidiasis are persistent fever and chills, which usually do not respond to antibiotic treatment. As the infection spreads, other symptoms may appear, depending on the part of the body affected by the infection, including:
- Endocarditis
- Endophthalmitis
- Omyelitis
- Central nervous system infection
"These changes in symptoms make it important to remain alert at all times."
Risk factors
Certain patients are at increased risk of infection due to:
- Long-term hospitalization
- Abdominal surgery
- Immunosuppressive diseases
- Chemotherapy
- Use total intravenous nutrition
These factors can weaken a patient's immune system and increase the likelihood of infection.
Diagnostic methods
Because many Candida species are part of the normal human microbiota, their presence does not necessarily mean the development of invasive candidiasis. Confirmation requires isolation of Candida from a sterile site of arrival, such as blood or tissue. The sensitivity of blood cultures is not ideal, and multiple test results may be negative in some patients.
Treatment and Prevention
Treatment options usually use antifungal drugs, with echinocandin drugs being the preferred first-line therapy for most patients. For high-risk groups, preventive antifungal treatment may be effective in reducing infection rates, but avoiding the development of drug resistance remains a challenge.
Epidemiological statistics
Currently, invasive candidiasis is estimated to affect more than 250,000 people each year and cause more than 50,000 deaths. Although awareness is gradually improving, disease management remains difficult, especially in critically ill patients.
"Continued public health awareness and improved medical management can help curb the spread of the disease."
Invasive candidiasis has generated widespread concern among the medical community due to its potential severity and variety of complications. This condition makes early diagnosis and prompt treatment crucial. Do you understand the symptoms and recognize potential risks?
