Systemic Candida

Systemic infection. Under normal circumstances, trace amounts of Candida can be found in the gut and in various locations in the body. Among people with decreased immunity, however, occasionally candida infections can occur throughout the body. Systemic, or deep, candida infections are serious medical conditions that require immediate medical treatment. There is no such thing as a low-grade systemic candida infection with mild symptoms. Invasive candida infections are characterized by fever and shock, including low blood pressure, an elevated heart rate, respiratory distress, multiorgan distress, and sometimes a systemic rash or skin peeling. This is a dangerous, even potentially fatal, condition.

Systemic candida infection usually occurs in people with one or more of the following: skin and mucosal damage, long-term administration of corticosteroids, decreased immunity, organ or stem cell transplantation, or critical illness requiring hospitalization in intensive-care (CDC 2003).

If candidiasis is associated with diabetes or malignancy, the underlying disease must be treated in order to discourage yeast growth. Invasive disease (deep candidiasis) may affect major organs, such as the kidneys, spleen, liver, lungs, eyes, brain, and heart. Organ involvement can lead to organ failure if infection is not treated quickly and effectively.