Disseminated Candida infections: what they are and what to do

Most people know Candida as a yeast that causes thrush. When Candida gets into the bloodstream or spreads to organs, it becomes a serious problem. This page explains how to spot it, what tests doctors use, the usual treatments, and simple steps to reduce risk. If you or a loved one is in the hospital with persistent fever, this can help you ask the right questions.

How it looks and who gets it

Disseminated Candida (also called invasive candidiasis or candidemia) often starts with a fever that won’t go away despite antibiotics. Other signs depend on where it spreads: blurred vision or eye pain (eye involvement), new heart murmurs (endocarditis), back pain (spinal infection), jaundice, or worsening kidney function. People at higher risk include those with central venous catheters, long ICU stays, recent major surgery, total parenteral nutrition (TPN), broad‑spectrum antibiotics, diabetes, or weak immune systems.

How doctors find it and how it’s treated

Blood cultures are the main test, but they can miss cases early on. Your team may add blood markers like beta‑D‑glucan, antigen tests, or targeted imaging (eye exam, echocardiogram, CT) to look for hidden infection sites. If Candida is suspected, doctors usually start antifungal treatment right away.

Current first‑line drugs for most adults are echinocandins — caspofungin, micafungin, or anidulafungin — because they work fast and cover common strains. If the lab shows the Candida is sensitive and you’re stable, teams often switch to oral fluconazole to finish treatment. Amphotericin B is reserved for special cases (resistant strains, central nervous system infection, or when other drugs aren’t an option).

Source control matters. If you have a central line or catheter, removing it quickly improves outcomes. Treatment length varies: uncomplicated candidemia is usually treated for at least 14 days after the first negative blood culture and symptom improvement. Deep or organ infections need longer courses — often several weeks — and an infectious disease specialist should guide care.

Simple steps help prevent this infection: practice good catheter care, avoid unnecessary broad‑spectrum antibiotics, control blood sugar, and follow ICU hygiene protocols. For very high‑risk groups (like severe neutropenia), doctors may recommend antifungal prevention — talk to your provider about that.

When to act: get immediate help for persistent fevers in the hospital, sudden vision changes, new severe pain, or any signs of sepsis. Ask your team whether blood cultures, eye exams, and echocardiography have been done, whether a central line can be removed, and what antifungal they recommend. Quick diagnosis and early, targeted treatment make the biggest difference.