Bilateral Candida Endophthalmitis – Successful Treatment by Single Amphotericin B Injection in Combination with Systemic Antimycotic Treatment

Background

Ocular candidiasis is a severe intraocular fungal infection caused by various species of Candida, most commonly, by the yeast species Candida albicans [1] [2] [3] [4]. The literature distinguishes Candida chorioretinitis from Candida endophthalmitis, the latter term being reserved for cases with significant vitritis. Since Candida is normally distributed throughout the gastrointestinal tract, invasive procedures increase the risk of candidemia, which is an essential component in the pathogenesis of endogenous Candida endophthalmitis and chorioretinitis [1]. In patients with candidemia, the organisms reach the choroid and retina through hematogenous spread and then proliferate, causing subretinal, choroidal, and intraretinal abscess formation and subsequent vitreous involvement [1]. The rates of developing ocular candidiasis in candidemia are reported to be between 2 and 9% [1].

This report aims to contribute to the understanding and management of Candida endophthalmitis.

We present an 84-year-old man with mycological confirmed candidemia successfully treated by a single amphotericin B injection and systemic fluconazole over a follow-up period of 3 months and discuss the treatment in relation to other approaches.

Publication History

Received: 27 October 2024

Accepted: 17 February 2025

Article published online:
16 April 2025

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