Infections caused by Candida spp. in patients with COVID-19: A literature review

Abstract

Objectives: This review aimed to evaluate the frequency of infections caused by yeasts of Candida spp. in patients affected with COVID-19. Materials and methods: A literature review was carried out in the Pubmed, Medline and Scielo databases, using the following keywords: Candida spp.” AND “COVID 19” AND “Candidiasis” AND “Candida”. The selected studies present data about the types of infection, fungal isolates and the treatment employed. Results: There is an increase in mortality rates in individuals co-infected with COVID-19 and Candida spp., especially in those with associated risk factors. The most frequent species were Candida albicans, C. glabrata, C. tropicalis and C. auris. Furthermore, candidemia and oropharyngeal candidiasis were the clinical forms mentioned in association with COVID-19. Management is also dependent on the clinical form and the classes of antifungal agents recommended and/or tested in these studies are azoles, echinocandins and polyenes. Conclusion: Co-infection by Candida spp. and COVID-19 leads to a worrying scenario in which the number of cases has increased around the world, causing higher mortality rates in these patients. This increase was evident throughout the study, as well as emphasizyng the importance of correct identification and management of these infections