Surgical Cure of<i>Candida albicans</i>Endocarditis with Open-Heart Surgery

Abstract

THE incidence of candida infections is reported to be increasing.1 , 2 Although the organism may be part of the normal flora of mucous membranes of healthy persons infections with this fungus have long been known to occur in the young, the old and the debilitated. As a reflection of this, patients with cancer, bacterial endocarditis and diabetes are particularly vulnerable.3 , 4 The use of large doses of antibiotics, frequent injections and steroids in the treatment of these conditions may further increase the susceptibility.3 , 5 Mycotic endocarditis due to candida species was first recorded in morphine addicts, and these cases strongly suggest repeated direct . . .