Candida Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Candida, including details on thrush infections, yeast, diet, treatment, symptoms.

Isolation of Candida famata from a patient with acute zonal occult outer retinopathy.

Carrasco L, Ramos M, Galisteo R, Pisa D, Fresno M, González ME

Centro de Biología Molecular (CSIC-UAM), Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Autónoma, Cantoblanco, 28049 Madrid, Spain. lcarrasco@cbm.uam.es

The etiology of a number of retinopathies, such as acute zonal occult outer retinopathy (AZOOR), remains undetermined. Candida famata was isolated from conjunctival exudates of a patient diagnosed with AZOOR. This yeast was very abundant, particularly in the more affected eye, while no other pathogens or fungal species were in evidence. Immunological tests revealed the presence of antigen-specific T lymphocytes by using C. famata as a challenge. Moreover, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay analysis showed the presence of specific antibodies against this yeast in the patient's blood. Delayed hypersensitivity by use of a skin test was also positive. Finally, antifungal treatments led to improvements in several clinical symptoms, including funduscopic analysis. However, despite prolonged treatment with fluconazole and itraconazole, C. famata still appeared in the conjunctival exudates. The new antifungal voriconazole may represent a better choice for treatment.

Published 7 February 2005 in J Clin Microbiol, 43(2): 635-40.
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