[Ocular involvement with Candida albicans: report of 2 cases]

Introduction: Ocular involvement by Candida albicans is rare and may present as endogenous endophthalmitis or choroiditis. It occurs in the context of C. albicans septicemia, in the context of intensive care unit hospitalization or intravenous drug use. We report two cases referred to our department with different characteristics, background, diagnostic modalities and different courses.

Observations: A 37-year-old woman, with a history of intravenous drug use, presented with C. albicans endophthalmitis. Intravenous combination antifungal therapy was begun, but vitrectomy and intravitreal amphotericin B were performed due to worsening of the endophthalmitis. The second case was a 53-year-old man who was hospitalized in the intensive care unit for C. albicans septicemia with a left macular chorioretinitis. Intravenous antifungal therapy was initiated and allowed regression of the ocular lesion.

Discussion: Our cases illustrate both types of ophthalmic involvement by candidiasis requiring different treatments with well-described recommendations: in the case of endophthalmitis, the use of vitrectomy and intravitreal amphotericin B injection in association with intravenous antifungal treatment, whereas parenteral antifungal treatment is often sufficient in the case of chorioretinitis.

Conclusion: Early detection, initiation of treatment and ophthalmologic monitoring are difficult but necessary in these populations non-compliant with follow-up or in intensive care units. The management of ocular candidiasis requires good collaboration between the ophthalmology, infectious diseases and intensive care unit departments.