Native valve endocarditis due to Candida parapsilosis in an adult patient

Candida endocarditis is rare, but associated with a high mortality. The most common species implicated is Candida albicans. The epidemiology of invasive Candida infections is changing, with a predominance of non-albicans species causing invasive disease. We describe a case of Candida parapsilosis endocarditis in an HIV-positive patient with pre-existing mitral valve disease and renal failure on haemodialysis. The patient presented with fever and malaise. Clinical examination revealed pulmonary oedema and severe mitral regurgitation. Blood cultures were positive for C. parapsilosis. beta-D-glucan assay levels were elevated. An echocardiogram showed large, friable vegetations on the mitral valve. C. parapsilosis was cultured from the haemodialysis tip and the vegetations. The patient responded well to mitral valve replacement and antifungal therapy. A high index of suspicion and aggressive diagnostic modalities and therapy are essential in patients with candidaemia, to decrease mortality due to this condition.