This illness is caused by a fungal infection called Candida. In this kind of infection, yeast has gotten into the bloodstream and spread to other areas of the body, such as the brain, the kidneys, the heart, or the eyes. This is a common type of yeast infection, and it can cause serious health complications, particularly in those with comorbidities.
The symptoms of invasive candidiasis are:
When the yeast has invaded specific body parts, there might be more specific symptoms like blurry vision, memory loss, headaches, sensitivity to light, and confusion. This condition can be hard to detect because its symptoms can mimic so many other health conditions.
Invasive candidiasis happens when yeast gets into the bloodstream. The yeast can then spread to other internal organs and begin to cause symptoms. This is typically the result of a contaminated medical device being used on a person who is in the ICU at a hospital. An example would be an IV or a catheter that has been contaminated with yeast being inserted into the skin. Healthcare workers who are not aware that they have been exposed can spread candidiasis to other patients while treating them.
The risk factors for contracting invasive candidiasis are:
Invasive candidiasis is usually diagnosed by taking a blood sample from an affected patient. This will confirm that there is yeast in the bloodstream. Skin samples can also be taken to see if there is an excess of yeast on the surface of the skin. Test results can take a few days to come back, so many patients will be treated for the possible invasive candidiasis infection that they might have right away. Diagnosis is made to confirm that the treatment protocol that is being followed is the correct one.
This condition needs to be treated in a hospital. There is significant risk to the internal organs with this condition, and treatment delays can mean long-term health problems in most patients. In most cases, antifungal medications will be injected directly into the bloodstream via an intravenous line. The age of the patient, their immune system health, and the severity of the infection can all make a difference in the treatment protocol that is chosen for each patient.
Common antifungal drugs that will be used to treat this kind of infection are micafungin, fluconazole, caspofungin, or anidulafungin. This treatment will be started in the hospital but might be necessary for a few more weeks after the person has been released to go home. Treatment will only be halted when blood tests no longer confirm that the patient has a candidiasis infection.
Prevention of this health condition might not always be possible since it is usually contracted in a hospital setting. However, if you have a weakened immune system or are prone to yeast infections, you might want to make sure that you keep your skin clean and wash your hands regularly. Be sure to monitor yourself for signs of infection after medical procedures. Patients should also make sure that medical staff is aware of their history of yeast infections or their weakened immune system so that steps can be taken to help prevent this kind of more serious yeast infection.