Candida Endocarditis: A Review of the Pathogenesis, Morphology, Risk Factors, and Management of an Emerging and Serious Condition

Abstract

Infective endocarditis is a significant healthcare burden due to the associated high mortality and complications. Endocarditis caused by both Candida albicans (C. albicans) and non-Candida albicans Candida (NCAC) species has been associated with a substantial rise in in-hospital morbidity and mortality. We used the Pubmed database to identify 47 out of 101 articles that had met our inclusion and exclusion criteria. We had put in place a broad inclusion criterion with no age or gender restrictions. These 47 articles included abstracts, 11 review articles, 13 case reports, 10 research articles, 1 clinical trial report, 1 meta-analysis, and other research articles. And they comprehensively cover the pathogenesis, risk factors, and management of infections caused by C. albicans and NCAC species in the past 26 years. The articles we scanned provided us with information on different associations in correlation to multiple types of Candida species. Here, we discuss the association between Candida and endocarditis, a major cause of morbidity and mortality in both C. albicans and NCAC. We also present our understanding regarding this interesting association and attempt to address some of the recurring questions.

A case series of medically managed Candida parapsilosis complex prosthetic valve endocarditis

“…With the increasing infection rate of Candida , Candida endocarditis especially Candida parapsilosis complex endocarditis gains more and more attention because of its high mortality and morbidity [ 10 , 11 ]. In recent years, with the widespread application of life support systems, Candida parapsilosis complex has become the second most common pathogen of candidiasis.…”

Candida albicans—The Virulence Factors and Clinical Manifestations of Infection

“…Fungal endocarditis represents 1–6% of the total spectrum of endocarditis. Candida endocarditis is one of the most severe candidiasis manifestations and is the most common cause of fungal endocarditis [ 157 ]. Due to the rarity of candidal infective endocarditis, the prognosis, epidemiology, and optimal treatment of Candida infective endocarditis have been insufficiently described.…”

A case series of medically managed Candida Parapsilosis complex prosthetic valve endocarditis and literature review

“…With the increasing infection rate of Candida, Candida endocarditis especially Candida parapsilosis complex endocarditis gains more and more attention because of its high mortality and morbidity 8,9 . In recent years, with the widespread application of life support systems, Candida parapsilosis complex has become the second most common pathogen of candidiasis.…”