skip to main content

Candidaemia — SCE Infectious Diseases MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

HardFungal InfectionsCandidaemiaSCE Infectious Diseases

Candida glabrata candidaemia clears on an echinocandin after catheter removal. The patient is stable and needs oral step-down treatment. Which result is essential before choosing fluconazole?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: C — Documented fluconazole susceptibility of the bloodstream isolate with review after review

The best answer is “Documented fluconazole susceptibility of the bloodstream isolate with review after review”. C. glabrata has unpredictable azole susceptibility; echinocandin susceptibility does not establish that fluconazole will be active. “A susceptible caspofungin MIC alone” is less appropriate because it does not satisfy the scenario's decisive clinical or jurisdictional requirement. “A negative serum beta-D-glucan on one occasion” is less appropriate because it does not satisfy the scenario's decisive clinical or jurisdictional requirement. “Absence of oral thrush” is less appropriate because it does not satisfy the scenario's decisive clinical or jurisdictional requirement. “A normal liver ultrasound” is less appropriate because it does not satisfy the scenario's decisive clinical or jurisdictional requirement.

Reference: ESCMID Candida guideline: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23137135/