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[Disseminated candidiasis in parenteral drug addicts. Report of 15 cases]

P Laguna del Estal1, M J Marchena, M S Moya

  • 1Servicio de Medicina Interna III-Urgencias, Hospital Puerta de Hierro, Madrid.

Anales De Medicina Interna (Madrid, Spain : 1984)
|November 1, 1994
PubMed

Insights

Fungal infections, particularly disseminated candidiasis, linked to intravenous drug use have risen. This syndrome, often caused by Candida albicans, affects skin, eyes, and joints, with skin biopsy proving key for diagnosis.

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Dermatology

Context:

  • Parenteral drug use, particularly intravenous heroin, has been associated with a significant increase in fungal infections since the 1980s.
  • The disseminated candidiasis syndrome, characterized by Candida albicans infections, presents a complex clinical challenge.

Purpose:

  • To describe the clinical, diagnostic, and therapeutic aspects of disseminated candidiasis in parenteral drug users.
  • To highlight the common manifestations and diagnostic utility of cutaneous lesions in this patient population.

Summary:

  • Fifteen patients with disseminated candidiasis were analyzed, exhibiting diverse infections including ocular (endophthalmitis, chorioretinitis), cutaneous, and osteoarticular (costochondritis, hip arthritis).
  • Simultaneous infections across multiple sites were observed in 8 patients.
  • Biopsy and culture of cutaneous lesions emerged as the most effective method for microbiological diagnosis.

Impact:

  • This study underscores the importance of recognizing disseminated candidiasis in intravenous drug users.
  • It emphasizes the diagnostic value of skin biopsies and provides insights into the management of this severe fungal infection.

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