Investigation of Candida species isolated from blood cultures

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Candida species may cause severe clinical conditions with high mortality. The use of broad-spectrum antibiotics, immunosuppression, invasive medical procedures, and prolonged hospitalization in intensive care units (ICUs) have led to an increase in the incidence of Candida infections in recent years. In this study, we aimed to determine the frequency and distribution of Candida infections and to contribute to the local epidemiological data and guide for empiric antifungal therapy. METHODS: In this study, Candida species isolated from blood cultures between 2017-2019 were examined retrospectively. BacT/ALERT 3D (BioMérieux, France) and Render BC128 (Shandong Huifa Electronics Technology Co., Ltd., China) automated blood culture systems were used. Candida isolates identified by conventional methods were determined to the species level by using Phoenix TM 100 automated identification system (BD Phoenix System, Beckton Dickinson, USA). RESULTS: Candida species were isolated from 192 samples (0.74%) in 25808 bloodcultures. The most commonly isolated Candida species was C. albicans (50.0%), followed by C. parapsilosis (37%), C. tropicalis (5.7%) and C. glabrata (5.2%), respectively. The majority of Candida isolates (89.6%) were isolated from patients in intensive care units (ICUs). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The results of our study are consistent with many studies reported in our country. This study provides information about the epidemiology of invasive candidiasis. Determining the frequency and distribution of Candida species and updating local epidemiological data periodically is extremely important in guiding the empirical antifungal therapy.

Keywords

• candida species
• blood culture
• candidiasis