Candidiasis. A diagnostic and therapeutic challenge.

Candida infections are becoming more common for a number of reasons. Diagnosis of local infections is relatively simple, and therapy with topical antifungal drugs or ketoconazole (Nizoral) is usually adequate. However, diagnosis of disseminated candidiasis is more difficult, frequently requiring biopsy confirmation. Amphotericin B (Fungizone Intravenous), often in combination with flucytosine (Ancobon), may be appropriate. In catheter-induced fungemia, antifungal therapy may be necessary to avoid deep-seated infection with Candida.