skip to main content

Candidaemia 14-Day Duration — SCE Infectious Diseases MCQ

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

EasyFungal InfectionsCandidaemia 14-Day DurationSCE Infectious Diseases

A 55-year-old man develops a tunnelled line infection with Candida parapsilosis. The line is removed. He is started on Micafungin. Blood cultures clear by day 3. At day 14, he remains clinically well. Can antifungal treatment be stopped?

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

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: E — Yes — 14 days from the first negative blood culture is the minimum treatment duration for uncomplicated candidaemia (no endophthalmitis, no prosthetic material, no metastatic foci)

ESCMID/IDSA guidelines recommend a minimum of 14 days of antifungal therapy from the date of the first negative blood culture for uncomplicated candidaemia. 'Uncomplicated' criteria: catheter removed, blood cultures clearing promptly, ophthalmological examination showing no endophthalmitis, no prosthetic material, no metastatic infection (hepatosplenic candidiasis, endocarditis). If any complicating feature is present, treatment is extended. Step-down from echinocandin to oral Fluconazole (if susceptible) is appropriate once clinically stable.

Reference: ESCMID 2024 – Candida guidelines; IDSA 2016 – Candidiasis