ABSTRACT
Candida sepsis is a serious and ever increasing complication in patients with a reduced defense capacity. At the intensive care unit of the infectious department in 1978-1990 from a total of 430 patients with the diagnosis of sepsis 20 (4.7%) had a Candida aetiology. Candida sepsis is suspected in particular in leukaemic patients with neutropenia, in organ transplantations and in patients given intensive care on account of a serious primary disease, bacterial infection or after surgery. The risk of deep candidosis is increased by venous catheters, hyperalimentation, antibiotic treatment, invasive operations. Diagnosis is supported by endophthalmitis and skin lesions; signs of affection of the liver, lungs, kidneys and cardiac valves are sought. Analysis of risk factors, pathogenesis and the clinical picture of invasive Candida infections is based on ample data in the literature.
Subject(s)
Candidiasis , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Candidiasis/diagnosis , Child , Child, Preschool , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Opportunistic Infections/diagnosis , Risk FactorsABSTRACT
The authors present experience assembled at the septic station of the infectious department and mycological laboratory as regards interpretation of results of laboratory examinations in invasive Candida infections and they summarize the most important data from the literature on the correct collection of material, evaluation of microscopic and cultivation findings, the importance of examinations and haemocultures, venous catheters, urine, faeces and sputum. They analyze problems of serological examination and direct detection of antigen, they recommend mycological monitoring of patients at risk. In the conclusion they summarize the most frequent mistakes as regards the evaluation of laboratory results and indications of treatment.
Subject(s)
Candidiasis/diagnosis , Candida albicans/isolation & purification , Candidiasis/microbiology , Humans , Mycology/methodsABSTRACT
The author describes techniques of laboratory processing of different biological materials used for detection of potentially pathogenic micromycetes which are involved in the aetiology of secondary mycoses. The author describes in detail methods for the quantitative assessment of yeasts in urine and sputum.
Subject(s)
Mycoses/diagnosis , Viscera , Aspergillus/isolation & purification , Humans , Mycology/methods , Yeasts/isolation & purificationABSTRACT
The authors demonstrate the case of a female patient with a prolonged mucosal form of candidosis caused by different biotypes of Candida albicans. Despite the fact the long-term and repeated treatment with Nizoral and transfer factor was applied, relapses of the disease developed. Marked improvement of clinical manifestations occurred only after a change of the dietary habits and long-term administration of immunomodulating agents. The authors discuss therapeutic and diagnostic aspects of the disease.
