<b><i>Candida</i></b> Pneumonia: An Innocent Bystander or a Silent Killer?

Invasive candidiasis is predominantly seen in immunosuppressed patients and carries a significant mortality. The clinical spectrum of invasive candidiasis encompasses candidemia and disseminated infection (intra-abdominal abscess, osteomyelitis, endophthalmitis, and <i>Candida</i> meningitis). The existence of <i>Candida</i> pneumonia has been largely debated over the years due to its rarity and presence of frequent colonization. Demonstration of <i>Candida</i> species by lung biopsy along with evidence of inflammation is the only way to confirm this entity. The interpretation of <i>Candida</i> in respiratory specimens and the decision to initiate antifungal therapy is controversial due to the lack of clinical evidence. In this mini-review, we discuss the currently available clinical data from the literature on <i>Candida</i> pneumonia and future perspectives regarding the need for antifungal therapy in such patients.