Medical Mycology: Open Access

Candida blankii Candidaemia: A Case Report of an Emergent Opportunistic Pathogen with Reduced Susceptibility.

Due to the growing number of critically ill patients, candidaemia became one of the most frequent causes of invasive fungal infections. It causes an overall mortality of more than 50% in hospitalized patients and is associated with prolonged hospital stay and high healthcare costs. Five species of Candida (C. albicans, C. glabrata, C. tropicalis, C. krusei and C. parapsilosi) account for more than 90% of all diagnosed cases, but less frequent species causing candidaemia are described.

Our report highlights the emergence of C. blankii, an opportunistic pathogen with reduced susceptibility to Fluconazole and Echinocandins. The therapeutic experience is limited but it is more prudent to avoid these agents for treatment of C. blankii infections. Posaconazole, Voriconazole and Amphotericin B seem to be the first line therapy to use.

Author(s): Ekaterina Melnik1,2*

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