Clinical characteristics and risk factors of ocular candidiasis

Abstract

Ocular candidiasis is a major complication of Candida bloodstream infection (BSI). This study was performed to reveal the clinical characteristics of ocular candidiasis. Of the 220 patients with Candida BSI, 204 cases received ophthalmology consultations between January 2005 and December 2011 at 2 teaching hospitals. Fifty-four (26.5%) cases had findings consistent with the diagnosis of ocular candidiasis. Of these 54 cases, 43 (79.6%) were diagnosed within 7 days after a positive blood culture. Among ocular candidiasis cases, more cases were due to Candida albicans (P =0.034 odds ratio [OR]; 3.68 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.11-12.2) and had higher β-d-glucan values (P = 0.001 OR; 9.99 95% CI 2.60-21.3). We need to consider fundoscopic examination to be performed within the first 7 days of therapy, especially for those patients who have C. albicans BSIs and higher β-d-glucan values. Additionally, follow-up fundoscopic examination should be considered before stopping therapy for high-risk patients.