Candida Empyema in Febrile Neutropenia - Augmented value of direct inoculation into BacT/Alert blood culture vials

Abstract

Candida empyema is an uncommon complication of febrile neutropenia. We present 4 such cases which highlight the importance of direct inoculation of body fluids in automated blood culture bottle leading to increased yield. Our cases and review of literature also highlight that echinocandins have poor penetration into pleural fluid; azoles (especially voriconazole) should be preferred as drug of choice.

Keywords: Azoles; Candida empyema; Echinocandins; Febrile neutropenia.