OPPORTUNISTIC FUNGAL-INFECTIONS - SUPERFICIAL AND SYSTEMIC CANDIDIASIS

Age alone is not usually sufficient for the development of disease due to Candida, but it appears to be associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Mucocutaneous Candida infections such as thrush and den ture stomatitis are associated with local and mechanical factors. A ra re and sight-threatening complication of cataract surgery is Candida e ndophthalmitis. Systemic Candida infections are becoming more common d ue to increasing use of immunosuppressive drugs and the increasing ris k of nosocomial candidiasis in the intensive care unit. Candiduria is increasingly common in older patients with diabetes mellitus, indwelli ng urinary catheters, and a history of antibiotic therapy.