This podcast episode delves into the complexities of diagnosing and treating Candida endocarditis, emphasizing its rarity and the critical need for early detection to mitigate high mortality rates. Dr. Valerio discusses the role of echocardiography and the nuances between recurrent and persistent candidemia, highlighting clinical characteristics and risk factors associated with the condition. Notably, he underscores the limitations of existing diagnostic tools and the contentious role of surgical intervention, ultimately advocating for tailored approaches to patient care as research progresses in understanding this challenging infection.