What is the most common cause of candidemia in ICU patients?

• A. Candida albicans
• B. Candida glabrata
• C. Aspergillus fumigatus
• D. Candida species

Answer: (D)

Candida species are the most common cause of candidemia in ICU patients. Bloodstream infections from fungi are most often due to Candida, with various species circulating. While Candida albicans has historically been the leading single species, the broader category—Candida species—captures the typical etiologic group responsible for these infections.

Aspergillus fumigatus is a mold causing invasive aspergillosis, not candidemia, so it doesn’t fit. Candida glabrata is one member of the Candida genus and can be a frequent non-albicans cause, but the overall most common cause when talking about the etiologic group is Candida species.