Disseminated candidiasis, also known as Candida septicemia, is a systemic infection by Candida species that can present in the debilitated or immunocompromised patient. Risk factors include prolonged systemic steroids or antibiotic administration, immunosuppressive medications in association with organ transplantation, HIV / AIDS, neoplastic disease, chemotherapy, hemodialysis, Foley or vascular catheters, recent gastrointestinal (GI) surgery, and parenteral hyperalimentation as well as injection drug use. Systemic symptoms can include persistent high-grade fevers, chills, hypotension, myalgias, arthralgias, and bone pain. Candidal sepsis can be a near-terminal event, and patients with underlying graft-versus-host disease or who present with septic shock have a worse prognosis.

Systemic involvement can include metastatic infections such as acute candidal pyelonephritis or central nervous system (CNS) candidiasis, cardiovascular impairment, respiratory distress, and/or altered consciousness.

In most cases of Candida sepsis, the individual's own GI tract is the source of infection. Skin invasion from macerated intertriginous regions, intravenous (IV) lines, and IV drug abuse are other potential sources. The vast majority of invasive candidiasis is caused by Candida albicans, Candida glabrata, Candida tropicalis, Candida parapsilosis, and Candida krusei. Candida albicans is the most common species causing human disease, but non-albicans Candida can be commonly identified, particularly in hospitalized patients.

Candida auris is an emerging cause of candidemia that is notable for high rates of mortality and for drug resistance. Candida auris mostly affects patients with severe underlying medical conditions requiring complex medical care. Patients with invasive medical devices such breathing tubes, feeding tubes, catheters in a vein, or urinary catheters tend to be at increased risk. Nosocomial infection has been associated with prolonged use of axillary temperature monitors.

Consultation with an infectious disease specialist is highly recommended when caring for patients with C auris infection. Even after treatment for invasive infections, patients generally remain colonized with C auris for long periods.

See below and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Information for Laboratorians and Health Professionals for more detailed information.