Epidemiology of Candidemia at a University Hospital in Colombia, 2008-2014

Abstract

Introduction: Candida species are commensal yeasts of the human microbiota. However, due to several host’s conditions, bloodstream infections may arise causing high morbimortality. Methods: Retrospective cross-sectional analytical study of positive blood cultures for Candida spp. between 2008-2014 at a university hospital in Bogota, Colombia. We evaluated clinical and microbiological characteristics prior to the first positive blood sample was obtained and determined associations with non-C. albicans (NCA) species infections. Results: We included 123 candidemia cases. C. albicans was the most frequently isolated species (42%). However, NCA species as a group were observed more often. Over 70% of cases were managed at the ICU, with a median stay of 14 days. Several medical factors were frequently observed, however none appeared to be associated with NCA species candidemia. Resistance to at least one antifungal agent was observed in 29% of cases, although a reduced sample of susceptibility tests was available. Conclusions: Our results support a worldwide shift towards NCA candidemia. However, clinical features were not associated with NCA infections. The identification of risk factors and the improvement of prediction scores must be prioritized, in order to identify patients at high risk who may benefit of pre-emptive therapy.