Use of 5-fluorocytosine in systemic candidiasis in infancy

Three cases of systemic candidiasis were successfully treated with 5-fluorocytosine (5-FC), an antifungal agent. The fungaemia developed during continuous intravenous alimentation for intestinal malabsorption. The diagnosis was confirmed by repeated positive cultures from blood, urine, and faeces. The fungus was also grown from cultures of intravenous solutions and catheters. The clinical features varied and included unexplained fever, oedema, stupor, tachypnoea, convulsions, hepatosplenomegaly, and congestive heart failure. The clinical symptoms receded rapidly and the cultures became negative after oral or intravenous treatment with 5-FC.