The Pathophysiology and Treatment of Candida Sepsis

Curr Infect Dis Rep. 2002 Oct;4(5):387-399. doi: 10.1007/s11908-002-0005-3.

Abstract

Sepsis can occur during disseminated candidiasis, but its pathogenesis differs from that caused by typical prokaryotic pathogens. Complex interactions between defects in host defense and "relative" virulence factors expressed by Candida lead to dissemination of the saprophyte to parenchymal organs, and subsequently to onset of multiorgan failure. This review focuses first on the pathophysiology of Candida sepsis, detailing current understanding of host-pathogen interactions. We then consider the choice of antifungal and supportive treatments.