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Fluconazole therapy in Candida albicans spondylodiscitis
P Rössel1, H C Schønheyder, H Nielsen
1Department of Medical Gastroenterology, Aalborg Hospital, Denmark.
Scandinavian Journal of Infectious Diseases
|March 5, 1999
Summary
A rare case of Candida albicans spondylodiscitis in a liver transplant recipient was successfully treated. Sequential therapy with liposomal amphotericin B and fluconazole, or fluconazole alone, offers effective treatment options for this serious fungal infection.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Transplantation Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Candida albicans spondylodiscitis is a rare but serious invasive fungal infection.
- Liver transplant recipients are immunocompromised, increasing their susceptibility to opportunistic infections like candidiasis.
Observation:
- A 20-year-old female liver transplant recipient presented with Candida albicans spondylodiscitis.
- The patient's condition was successfully managed using a combination of antifungal agents.
Findings:
- Successful treatment was achieved with sequential therapy involving liposomal amphotericin B followed by fluconazole.
- Literature review identified 10 additional cases of Candida albicans spondylodiscitis treated with fluconazole alone or sequential amphotericin B and fluconazole therapy.
Implications:
- This case highlights the successful management of a rare fungal infection in a vulnerable patient population.
- Prolonged fluconazole therapy (200-400 mg daily) is a viable alternative when long-term amphotericin B is not feasible.
- Effective antifungal strategies are crucial for improving outcomes in transplant recipients with invasive fungal infections.