Candida Parapsilosis: The Harmless Fungus That Can Cause Serious Infection
Updated: 3 days ago
Medically reviewed by Dr. Baraa Alnahhal, MD · Last reviewed: October 2026
Quick answer
Candida parapsilosis is a common fungus that lives harmlessly on skin and in the gut but can cause serious infection if it enters a wound, surgical site or implanted device [1]. Symptoms include fever, chills and redness at a wound [1]. Newborns and people with weakened immune systems or implanted devices are at risk [1] [3]. Treatment is hospital antifungal therapy with close monitoring [1].
What the research says
According to PubMed:
Fluconazole resistance in C. parapsilosis is not rare. A meta-analysis of 79 studies estimated the global pooled prevalence of fluconazole-resistant C. parapsilosis at 15.2% (95% CI 9.2–21.2), compared with 1.3% for amphotericin B resistance and 4.7% for voriconazole resistance. (Yamin et al., Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease, 2022 [6]).
Newborns are a high-risk group. Among 127 neonates with Candida bloodstream infection across 14 hospitals in 8 countries, 38 (30%) had C. parapsilosis; 59% of those C. parapsilosis isolates were fluconazole-resistant, and 22% (28 of 127) of the neonates died within 28 days. (Cook et al., Medical Mycology, 2023 [7]).
Contaminated equipment can drive outbreaks. In a hospital outbreak of echinocandin-resistant C. parapsilosis complex, 64 of 139 isolates (46%) were micafungin-resistant and 30-day mortality was 51.6% (33 of 64), versus 35.9% (14 of 39) with fluconazole-susceptible strains. The resistant strain was found in 23 of 60 environmental samples, mostly from infusion pumps, and enhanced cleaning was followed by no new cases for the next 2 months. (Kapmaz et al., Journal of Hospital Infection, 2025 [8]).
What is Candida parapsilosis?
Candida parapsilosis (C. parapsilosis) is a type of fungus that lives on your skin and in your gastrointestinal (GI) tract [1]. It's also found in the environment around us, like in soil [1].
Most of the time, C. parapsilosis doesn't harm us. But surgery, injury, or disease can cause it to grow in places it doesn't belong — and that can give you an infection and make you seriously ill [1]. Infections in your blood or internal organs with C. parapsilosis (or other forms of Candida fungi) are called invasive candidiasis [1].
What can Candida parapsilosis cause?
Candida parapsilosis can cause several kinds of infection when the fungus spreads to places in the body where it shouldn't be.
Infection | What it is |
|---|---|
Endocarditis | Inflammation of the lining of your heart valves and chambers |
Peritonitis | Inflammation of the lining of your abdomen |
Wound infection | Infection at a surgical or injury site |
Nail infection (onychomycosis) | Infection of the fingernails or toenails |
Blood infection (septicemia) | Infection in the bloodstream that spreads to the rest of your body [1] |
Rarely, it can also cause meningitis, arthritis, ear infections, vaginitis, and urinary tract infections [1].
How common is it?
C. parapsilosis is one of the most common fungal infections that causes serious illness (the most common fungus overall is Candida albicans) [1]. But that doesn't mean you're likely to get it — about 9 in 100,000 people (a little less than 0.01% of people) get invasive candidiasis each year [1].
What are the symptoms of a Candida parapsilosis infection?
Candida parapsilosis infection symptoms depend on where in your body the fungus causes the infection [1]. Some symptoms could include:
Symptom | When it may appear |
|---|---|
Fever | Common in invasive (bloodstream or organ) infections |
Chills | Often accompanies fever |
Shortness of breath | Especially when the lungs or bloodstream are involved |
Cough | May occur with respiratory involvement |
Abdominal pain | Suggests peritonitis or abdominal involvement |
Redness, swelling, or itching at a site | Appears at a surgical incision or injury site [1] |
How do you get Candida parapsilosis?
Most of the time, C. parapsilosis lives on your skin or in your intestinal tract (gut). Like dozens of other types of fungi, it lives on or in your body without harming you. But if it gets into a place it shouldn't be, it starts reproducing and causes an infection [1].
This can happen in a few ways:
Who is at higher risk?
Newborns and people with certain medical conditions are at higher risk for C. parapsilosis infections [1] [3]:
Risk factor | Why it raises your risk |
|---|---|
Weakened immune system | Conditions like HIV, blood cancers, or diabetes — or receiving an organ or stem cell transplant — make it harder for your body to fight off infections [1] |
Implanted medical devices | A central venous line, breathing tube, feeding tube, or other device that goes into your body can let the fungus in from the outside [1] |
Recent abdominal surgery | C. parapsilosis lives in your intestinal tract and can get into other parts of your body through surgery [1] |
Long or frequent antibiotic use | "Good" gut bacteria normally prevent fungi from growing out of control; antibiotics can kill these good bacteria [1] |
Injecting nonmedical drugs | The fungus can get into your blood through contaminated needles [1] |
How is it diagnosed?
A provider diagnoses C. parapsilosis by testing a sample of your blood or affected tissue [1]. Be sure to tell them about any implanted medical devices you have or recent surgeries — this information helps them pinpoint the cause faster [1].
How is it treated?
Healthcare providers treat C. parapsilosis with antifungal medications [1]. These might include:
Antifungal | Notes |
|---|---|
Echinocandins (e.g., caspofungin) | Given by injection; a first-line option for invasive infections |
Fluconazole or other azoles | A widely used antifungal family [5] |
Amphotericin B | A powerful antifungal used in serious cases |
You'll be treated in the hospital, and providers will monitor you closely while you recover [1].
What can I expect if I have it?
Invasive C. parapsilosis infections are serious. You'll be treated in the hospital with antifungals, and providers will monitor you closely while you recover [1].
What's the mortality rate?
As many people with C. parapsilosis have underlying health conditions, it can be hard to know the exact mortality (death) rate for this specific fungus. Experts estimate the mortality rate for invasive candidiasis (caused by all types of Candida) to be around 25% — or 1 in 4 people with the infection [1].
Can it be prevented?
Healthcare providers follow safety and sterilization rules to prevent healthcare-acquired infections like C. parapsilosis. These include washing their hands, disinfecting surfaces, ensuring that people only take antibiotics when they have bacterial infections, and sterilizing medical devices [1].
You can help prevent infections too:
Step | Why it helps |
|---|---|
Wash your hands frequently | Especially important if you're caring for someone with a weakened immune system [1] |
Ask about your devices | Ask your provider how long you need invasive devices like catheters and how to prevent infection while you need them [1] |
Ask about preventative antifungals | Worth discussing if you have a weakened immune system [1] |
When to see your provider — and when to go to the ER
If you have an implanted medical device, a weakened immune system, or a recent surgery, ask your provider what signs of infection you should watch for, and follow up on any concerning symptoms.
Go to the emergency room if you have any signs of severe illness, including:
Fever over 103°F (39.4°C)
Severe pain
Seizures
Confusion or disorientation
A sudden drop in blood pressure (weakness, dizziness, and fainting) [1]
What questions should I ask my doctor?
It might be helpful to ask your healthcare provider about your treatment options, when you can expect to feel better, how you got the infection, and what you can do to prevent a similar infection in the future.
Conclusion
Candida parapsilosis is a fungus that most of us carry harmlessly on our skin and in our gut. The danger begins only when it finds a way inside — through a deep wound, a surgical incision, or an implanted device — where it can trigger a serious invasive infection. The good news: it affects only about 9 in 100,000 people a year, and it's treatable with antifungal medications under close hospital care. Knowing your risk factors, caring carefully for catheters and surgical sites, and acting fast on warning signs like fever or severe pain are your best defenses. If you're at higher risk or notice concerning symptoms, reach out to your healthcare provider right away.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Candida parapsilosis?
Candida parapsilosis is a type of fungus that normally lives harmlessly on your skin and in your gastrointestinal (GI) tract, and is also found in the environment, such as in soil.
Is Candida parapsilosis dangerous?
Usually not — it lives on or in your body without harming you. It becomes dangerous when it enters a deep wound, surgical incision, or implanted medical device and starts reproducing.
What is invasive candidiasis?
An infection in your blood or internal organs caused by C. parapsilosis or other Candida fungi.
What infections can it cause?
Endocarditis (heart lining inflammation), peritonitis (abdominal lining inflammation), wound infections, nail infections (onychomycosis), and blood infections that spread through the body — and rarely meningitis, arthritis, ear infections, vaginitis, and urinary tract infections.
What are the symptoms?
Candida parapsilosis symptoms depend on the infection site and may include fever, chills, shortness of breath, cough, abdominal pain, and redness, swelling, or itching at a surgical or injury site.
How do you get infected?
The fungus gets into places it shouldn't be — through a deep wound or surgical incision, or via a contaminated medical device such as a central venous line or breathing tube.
Who is at highest risk?
Newborns and people with weakened immune systems (HIV, blood cancers, diabetes, organ or stem cell transplant recipients), those with implanted devices, people who've had recent abdominal surgery, and those who use antibiotics for a long time or frequently.
Why do antibiotics raise the risk?
"Good" gut bacteria normally prevent fungi from growing out of control. Antibiotics can kill these helpful bacteria, putting you at risk for fungal infections.
Can injecting drugs spread it?
Yes — C. parapsilosis can get into your blood through contaminated needles used to inject nonmedical drugs.
How is it diagnosed?
A provider tests a sample of your blood or affected tissue, and may use information about your implanted devices and recent surgeries.
How is it treated?
With antifungal medications — typically echinocandins (like caspofungin), fluconazole or other azoles, or amphotericin B — administered in the hospital with close monitoring.
Is it curable?
A Candida parapsilosis infection is treatable, and many people recover with proper antifungal therapy — but invasive infections are serious and require prompt hospital care.
What is the mortality rate?
Experts estimate the mortality rate for invasive candidiasis (all Candida types combined) at about 25% — 1 in 4 people with the infection — though an exact rate for C. parapsilosis alone is hard to determine.
Can it be prevented?
Partly. Providers prevent healthcare-acquired infections through hand hygiene, surface disinfection, careful antibiotic use, and device sterilization. You can help by washing hands often, asking how long your devices are needed and how to care for them, and asking about preventative antifungals if your immune system is weakened.
When should I go to the emergency room?
If you have fever over 103°F (39.4°C), severe pain, seizures, confusion or disorientation, or a sudden drop in blood pressure (weakness, dizziness, fainting).
This article is for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking care because of something you have read here.
Related Reading
Fungal Infections (Mycosis): Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment and Outlook — What You Need to Know explains the main types of fungal infections and their treatment.
Sepsis: Complete Guide to Symptoms, Causes, Risks, and Treatment explains the life-threatening body response to bloodstream infection.
Central Venous Catheter (Central Line): Types, Procedure, Risks and Care explains central lines, a common entry point for this fungus.
Understanding PICC Lines: A Guide to Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters explains PICC lines and how to lower infection risk.
References
Cleveland Clinic. Candida Parapsilosis. Cleveland Clinic. Last updated July 21, 2023. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/25154-candida-parapsilosis
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Data and Statistics on Candidemia. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. April 24, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/candidiasis/data-research/facts-stats/index.html
Trofa D, Gácser A, Nosanchuk JD. Candida parapsilosis, an emerging fungal pathogen. Clin Microbiol Rev. 2008;21(4):606-625. PMID 18854483. https://doi.org/10.1128/CMR.00013-08
Tóth R, Nosek J, Mora-Montes HM, et al. Candida parapsilosis: from genes to the bedside. Clin Microbiol Rev. 2019;32(2):e00111-18. PMID 30814115. https://doi.org/10.1128/CMR.00111-18
Daneshnia F, de Almeida Júnior JN, Ilkit M, et al. Worldwide emergence of fluconazole-resistant Candida parapsilosis: current framework and future research roadmap. Lancet Microbe. 2023;4(6):e470-e480. PMID 37121240. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2666-5247(23)00067-8
Yamin D, Akanmu MH, Al Mutair A, et al. Global prevalence of antifungal-resistant Candida parapsilosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Trop Med Infect Dis. 2022;7(8):188. PMID 36006280. https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed7080188
Cook A, Ferreras-Antolin L, Adhisivam B, et al. Neonatal invasive candidiasis in low- and middle-income countries: data from the NeoOBS study. Med Mycol. 2023;61(3):myad010. PMID 36881725. https://doi.org/10.1093/mmy/myad010
Kapmaz M, Doğan Ö, İrkören P, et al. Analysis of an outbreak of echinocandin-resistant clonal Candida parapsilosis complex harbouring ERG11 and FKS1 mutations. J Hosp Infect. 2025;167:145-155. PMID 41167425. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhin.2025.10.013
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