Fungemia

From ArticleWorld

Fungemia is an often severe affection characterized by the presence of fungi or yeasts in the blood. It is commonly encountered in patients who follow immunosuppressive treatment, or in those with a compromised immune system. Fungemia is commonly caused by the Candida albicans, a pathogen that causes about 70% of the fungemia cases worldwide. Turolopsis grablata and aspergillus are also encountered.

Symptoms and diagnostic

Fungemia is usually associated with high fever, hyperthermia and possible peripheral vasodilation, and more severe cases will display the whole range of symptoms associated with sepsis, including tachycardia, tachypnea and even complete circulatory collapse or organ failure. Diagnosis is usually quite difficult, because the normal blood cultures aren't sensible enough. A variety of tests are performed in order to discover a fungemia.

There are several risk factors involved in a fungemia, including dialysis, diabetes and use of steroids. When associated with other illnesses of great severity, is especially dangerous, since the immune system is already weakened. However, the main risk factors remain the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics and the fungi colonization, like candidiasis

Treatment

The treatment in case of fungemia involves antifungal drugs like fluconazole. Supportive therapy is usually required, as the fungemia may cause several complications.