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The Pathophysiology and Treatment of Candida Sepsis
Brad Spellberg1, John E. Edwards
1Division of Infectious Diseases, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, St. Johns Cardiovascular Research Center, Research and Education Institute, 1124 West Carson Street, Torrance, CA 90502, USA. bjs@humc.edu; edwards@humc.edu
Abstract:
Sepsis can occur during disseminated candidiasis, but its pathogenesis differs from that caused by typical prokaryotic pathogens. Complex interactions between defects in host defense and "relative" virulence factors expressed by Candida lead to dissemination of the saprophyte to parenchymal organs, and subsequently to onset of multiorgan failure. This review focuses first on the pathophysiology of Candida sepsis, detailing current understanding of host-pathogen interactions. We then consider the choice of antifungal and supportive treatments.