Management of pediatric candida bloodstream infections: a case study from Louis Turcanu children's hospital, Timișoara

Abstract

AIM: This study aims to evaluate the prevalence and types of Candida species identified in blood cultures from a pediatric hospital over the past year. BACKGROUND: Candida species are recognized as significant pathogens in pediatric patients, particularly in hospital environments. The diverse hospital stay durations and age distributions among these patients underscore the importance of individualized treatment plans to optimize outcomes and address each patient's specific needs. METHODS: A retrospective case study was performed on pediatric patients diagnosed with Candida bloodstream infections (BSIs) at Louis Turcanu Hospital from July 1, 2023, to July 1, 2024. Data were systematically extracted from medical records, including demographic information, clinical presentations, diagnostic details, antifungal therapies administered, length of hospital stay. RESULTS: Out of 2,384 blood cultures analyzed, 74 (3.1%) were positive for Candida. Among these, Candida albicans was the most common species, identified in 66.22% of cases, followed by Candida parapsilosis in 31.08%, and Candida tropicalis in 2.70%. Candida albicans showed variable resistance, particularly to Amphotericin B (42.86% resistant, 57.14% sensitive) and Flucytosine (14.29% resistant, 85.71% sensitive), while Candida tropicalis and Candida parapsilosis were generally sensitive to antifungal treatments. CONCLUSIONS: Although Candida-positive blood cultures constitute a small percentage, they represent a significant clinical concern. Effective management of Candida BSIs requires the prompt initiation of empirical antifungal therapy, with subsequent adjustments based on specific culture results to optimize treatment effectiveness and reduce the risk of resistance.

Keywords

• Candida
• bloodstream infections
• pediatrics
• antifungal therapy