Opportunistic fungal infections: superficial and systemic candidiasis.

Age alone is not usually sufficient for the development of disease due to Candida, but it appears to be associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Mucocutaneous Candida infections such as thrush and denture stomatitis are associated with local and mechanical factors. A rare and sight-threatening complication of cataract surgery is Candida endophthalmitis. Systemic Candida infections are becoming more common due to increasing use of immunosuppressive drugs and the increasing risk of nosocomial candidiasis in the intensive care unit. Candiduria is increasingly common in older patients with diabetes mellitus, indwelling urinary catheters, and a history of antibiotic therapy.