Risk factors and mortality of the newly emerging Candida auris in a university hospital in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

ABSTRACT Candida auris presents a global health threat. We investigated risk factors and mortality of Candida auris infections in a retrospective study in Saudi Arabia. We included 27 patients ≥14 with invasive Candida auris from 2015–2022, with median age 58, and 66.7% males. All patients had indwelling devices. The most common infection sources were central line-associated bloodstream infection in 17 (63.0%), and urinary tract infections in four (12%). Fever and shock were observed in nine patients (33.3%) each, and 22 (81%) were admitted to the intensive care unit. Common comorbidities were diabetes and heart disease in 13 (48.1%) patients each. The median hospital stay was 78 days, and the median Charlson index was 4. The C. auris cultures were 100% susceptible to voriconazole, caspofungin, and amphotericin, while three were fully susceptible to fluconazole (11.1%). Despite treatment, 18 (66.7%) patients died. In conclusion, invasive C. auris infection had varied presentations. All patients had indwelling devices, and many had lengthy hospital stays. All isolates were susceptible to amphotericin and echinocandins, while few were fully susceptible to fluconazole.