What is the diagnosis and treatment for Candida (a type of fungus) epididymitis (inflammation of the epididymis)?

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From the FDA Drug Label

The FDA drug label does not answer the question.

From the Research

Candida epididymitis should be treated with oral antifungal medications, such as fluconazole, as the first line of treatment, considering the most recent and highest quality study available 1. The treatment of Candida epididymitis typically involves oral antifungal medications, with fluconazole being the most commonly recommended option.

  • The dosage of fluconazole usually starts with 400 mg on the first day, followed by 200-400 mg daily for 2-4 weeks.
  • For severe cases or fluconazole-resistant strains, alternatives such as voriconazole 200 mg twice daily or amphotericin B (0.5-1 mg/kg/day) intravenously may be considered.
  • Supportive measures, including scrotal elevation, ice packs, and pain management with NSAIDs like ibuprofen 400-600 mg every 6-8 hours, are also important.
  • Patients should be evaluated for underlying conditions that increase susceptibility to fungal infections, such as diabetes, immunosuppression, or recent antibiotic use, as noted in earlier studies 2, 3.
  • Candida epididymitis is less common than bacterial forms and often occurs in immunocompromised patients or those with urinary tract abnormalities, highlighting the need for proper diagnosis and treatment, as discussed in 4 and 5.
  • Diagnosis typically requires culture of epididymal aspirate or urine to identify the fungal pathogen, and follow-up is important to ensure resolution of the infection, with clinical improvement usually expected within 7-10 days of starting treatment.

References

Research

Current and promising pharmacotherapeutic options for candidiasis.

Expert opinion on pharmacotherapy, 2021

Research

Candidal epididymo-orchitis: case report and review.

Clinical infectious diseases : an official publication of the Infectious Diseases Society of America, 1998

Research

Epididymitis: An Overview.

American family physician, 2016

Research

Candida urinary tract infections: treatment options.

Expert review of anti-infective therapy, 2007

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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