Fungemia Overview

Fungemia is the presence of fungi or yeasts in the blood. It is most commonly seen in immunosuppressed or immunocompromised patients with severe neutropenia, oncology patients, or in patients with intravenous catheters. Recently, it has been suggested the otherwise immunocompetent patients taking infliximab may be at a higher risk for fungemia. The diagnosis is complicated, as routine blood cultures have poor sensitivity. Treatment involves use of antifungals, e.g. fluconazole or...