Epidemiology, Risk Factors and Outcome of Candida parapsilosis Bloodstream Infection in Children

Abstract

Candida parapsilosis constitutes a common Candida spp. isolated in children with candidemia. Few data exist on risk factors and outcome of candidemia caused by C. parapsilosis in pediatric patients. We conducted a retrospective analysis of demographic data, clinical features, therapeutic procedures and outcomes associated with Candida bloodstream infections (BSIs) that occurred at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia between 1997 and 2009. Among 406 Candida BSIs, Candida albicans accounted for 198 (49%), C. parapsilosis for 99 (24%) and all other species for 109 (27%) episodes. There was no consistent change in the proportion of C. parapsilosis BSIs during the study. C. parapsilosis BSI was more frequent than non-parapsilosis Candida spp. at age ≤2 years as compared with older patients (62% versus 50%, odds ratio = 1.24, 95% confidence interval: 1.03-1.51, P = 0.038). Patients with C. parapsilosis were more likely to be mechanically ventilated within 48 hours of BSI (odds ratio = 1.38, 95% confidence interval: 1.01-1.85, P = 0.047). Presence of a urinary catheter a week before infection was a protective factor for developing candidemia due to C. parapsilosis spp. (P = 0.003). No significant differences were found between the 2 groups in the presence of central intravascular catheters, comorbidities and clinical or surgical procedures, previous administration of immunosuppressive or antifungal agents and mortality. C. parapsilosis is the second most frequent cause of candidemia after C. albicans. Although it is more frequent at the age of ≤2 years and is more likely associated with mechanical ventilation than other Candida spp., mortality does not significantly differ between those with and without C. parapsilosis candidemia.