Candidemia in a tertiary care hospital: Changing trends

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Original Article

Author Details : Devashree Kshirsagar, Vrushali Harsh Thakar, Bharati Avinash Dalal, Aishwarya Babu*, Meera Modak, Mahadevan Kumar

Volume : 10, Issue : 3, Year : 2024

Article Page : 230-235

https://doi.org/10.18231/j.ijmmtd.2024.040

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Abstract

Background: Candida has emerged as a major cause of blood stream infections and ranks among the top ten pathogens responsible for hospital acquired infections. It is more common in children and adults  admitted in critical care units. Though Candida albicans was the most commonly isolated species there hasbeen a shift to Non-albicans species of Candida (NAC) as the major causative agent in the recent years. Many NAC are also intrinsically resistant to azoles.
Materials and Methods: Blood samples from patients with suspected candidemia were received in automated blood culture bottles. Candida species were identified using standard microbiological techniques, including CHROM agar and VITEK 2 compact. Patient’s demographic and clinical details were collected. Data was analyzed using Microsoft excel.
Results: Out of the 4367 blood culture samples received, 131 (2.99%) grew candida species. Most frequently isolated species was Candida parapsilosis (32%) followed by C.tropicalis (29%). Antifungal resistance was notable: 26.8% of isolates were resistant to fluconazole , 11.5% to voriconazole,10% to caspofungin,7.7% to micafungin and 18.4% to amphotericin B. Mortality due to candidemia was 16.79%, with C.parapsilosis being the most prevalent species among deceased patients
Conclusions: With the emergence of drug-resistant Candida species, the treatment of candidemia is becoming increasingly challenging. Rapid diagnosis, early treatment, adherence to proper infection control and antimicrobial stewardship practices are essential to reduce the burden of candidemia in developing countries like India. Effective management strategies are crucial to improve patient outcomes and combat the rising threat of antifungal resistance.

Keywords: Azoles, C.parapsilosis, Non albicans candida

How to cite : Kshirsagar D, Thakar V H, Dalal B A, Babu A, Modak M, Kumar M, Candidemia in a tertiary care hospital: Changing trends. IP Int J Med Microbiol Trop Dis 2024;10(3):230-235

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