Invasive candidiasis is a fungal infection that affects the bloodstream and can cause organ failure and other complications. It is most common in individuals with deficient immune systems, cancer patients, and those using intravenous catheters. There are different types of invasive candidiasis, and it can affect multiple organs at the same time. It can be fatal if not diagnosed and treated early.
Invasive candidiasis is a fungal infection found in the bloodstream. It is most commonly found in individuals with deficient immune systems, although HIV and AIDS patients do not appear to experience higher rates of infection from its precursor, candidemia. Cancer patients, however, as well as patients using intravenous catheters and heroin addicts are highly prone to developing various forms of invasive candidiasis.
Invasive candidiasis spreads throughout the bloodstream and often lodges in various organs. As it affects the organs, it also causes complications such as organ failure and injury. This particular fungal infection also contributes to other ailments, including arthritis, pneumonia, peritonitis, and candidal endocarditis, a deadly fungal infection of the heart often referred to as heart infection.
Invasive candidiasis is characterized into very distinct types as it affects specific patients. The most common type is found among catheter users. In this population, a fungal infection may begin to form at the catheter site and subside significantly once the catheter is removed. However, it is usually not completely cured since its removal, however, further drug treatment is commonly required before the infection is completely cleared.
A more acute form of this fungal infection can also result from the presence of a catheter. In an acute stage, however, it begins to spread rapidly to one or more nearby organs. When this occurs, removing the catheter helps, but more rigorous drug treatment is needed to fully cure the infection.
Hepatosplenic candidiasis is another type of invasive candidiasis, affecting patients with leukemia following treatment for the disease. This particular type of fungal infection often leads to death due to its effect on organs, particularly the liver. Although it can be fatal, many who receive long and intense antifungal therapy can and do recover from hepatosplenic candidiasis.
Invasive candidiasis is known to commonly affect different parts of the body and can even affect multiple bones, joints and organs at the same time. In very rare cases, individuals with deficient immune systems can also develop a fungal infection in the brain or nerves. This particular form is known as candidal meningitis and is known to affect both adults and children. The symptoms of this type of fungal infection are often confused with tuberculous meningitis, and while it is a treatable infection, it can also be fatal if symptoms are not diagnosed early enough for appropriate and intensive drug intervention.
Invasive candidiasis is so named due to its invasive nature. Unlike any other yeast-like fungal infections, such as those that affect the skin and nail bed, invasive candidiasis goes deep beneath the skin’s surface, spreading rapidly and wreaking havoc on one or more organs along the way.
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