Candida sepsis successfully treated by parenteral administration of 5-fluorocytosine

Candida sepsis has become one of the most common and dangerous forms of hospital acquired infection. The recommended drug for parenteral treatment of Candida sepsis is amphotericin B, however, its toxic effects preclude its usage in many patients, particularly in the presence of renal failure. A less toxic antifungal agent is 5-fluorocytosine. A patient with Candida albicans sepsis was treated successfully with 5-fluorocytosine by intravenous administration. The fungal infection developed during the course of acute renal failure, repeated surgical intervention, intravenous hyperalimentation, gastrointestinal bleeding and five months of antibiotic therapy. The clinical symptoms receded rapidly and cultures became sterile after one week of intravenous treatment. The predisposing factors, difficulties in prevention and diagnosis of fungal infection are discussed.