[Role of invasive candidiasis in hospital pathology].

The frequency, mode of occurrence, diagnostic criteria and main features of systemic and visceral candidiasis have been evaluated in a retrospective study of all cases managed in St Louis Hospital, Paris, during the [June 1, 1985-May 31, 1986] period. During this one year period 23 patients suffered from systemic or visceral candidiasis and Candida spp. accounted for 9.6% of all positive blood cultures, fourth in number after Enterobacteriaceae, Staphylococcus and Pseudomonas. Abnormal underlying condition was present in all patients, mainly haematologic malignancies, serious abdominal surgery and AIDS. In patients with haematologic malignancies C. tropicalis was the main species involved in contrast with surgical patients in whom the dominant responsible species was C. albicans. No Candida oesophagus was common. Therapeutic regimens included amphotericin B in all patients with systemic disease. We conclude that in an institution mainly oriented toward management of cancer and surgical patients, systemic and visceral candidiasis are common and represent a serious problem.