Epidemiology Of Candidemia Research Articles

Candidaemia and Central Line-Associated Candidaemia in a Network of Indian ICUs: Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic.

Candidaemia is a potentially life-threatening emergency in the intensive care units (ICUs). Surveillance using common protocols in a large network of hospitals would give meaningful estimates of the burden of candidaemia and central line associated candidaemia in low resource settings. We undertook this study to understand the burden and epidemiology of candidaemia in multiple ICUs of India, leveraging the previously established healthcare-associated infections (HAI) surveillance network. Our aim was also to assess the impact that the pandemic of COVID-19 had on the rates and associated mortality of candidaemia. This study included adult patients from 67 Indian ICUs in the AIIMS-HAI surveillance network that conducted BSI surveillance in COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 ICUs during and before the COVID-19 pandemic periods. Hospitals identified healthcare-associated candidaemia and central line associated candidaemia and reported clinical and microbiological data to the network as per established and previously published protocols. A total of 401,601 patient days and 126,051 central line days were reported during the study period. A total of 377 events of candidaemia were recorded. The overall rate of candidaemia in our network was 0.93/1000 patient days. The rate of candidaemia in COVID-19 ICUs (2.52/1000 patient days) was significantly higher than in non-COVID-19 ICUs (1.05/patient days) during the pandemic period. The rate of central line associated candidaemia in COVID-19 ICUs (4.53/1000 central line days) was also significantly higher than in non-COVID-19 ICUs (1.73/1000 central line days) during the pandemic period. Mortality in COVID-19 ICUs associated with candidaemia (61%) was higher than that in non-COVID-19 ICUs (41%). A total of 435 Candida spp. were isolated. C. tropicalis (26.7%) was the most common species. C. auris accounted for 17.5% of all isolates and had a high mortality. Patients in ICUs with COVID-19 infections have a much higher risk of candidaemia, CLAC and its associated mortality. Network level data helps in understanding the true burden of candidaemia and will help in framing infection control policies for the country.

Epidemiology, clinical features and predictors of mortality in patients with candidemia in a tertiary care hospital in Turkiye: a single-center retrospective study

Objective: We aimed to evaluate the epidemiology of candidemia among hospitalized patients and identify risk factors associated with mortality. Materials and methods: The medical data of 81 adult patients with candidemia who were hospitalized between May 1, 2015 and May 1, 2016 constituted the study. We recorded vital signs, clinical characteristics, ward or intensive care unit (ICU) interventions, comorbidities, and biochemistry findings. To identify factors independently associated with 30-day mortality, a forward conditional inclusion model was used in multivariable logistic regression. Results: The annual incidence of candidemia was 23 cases per 10000 individuals (0.23%). The three most frequently detected species were C. albicans (46.91%), C. parapsilosis (29.63%) and C. glabrata (8.64%). The 30-day mortality rate was 59.26% (n=48). Multivariable logistic regression showed that older age (OR: 1.037, 95% CI: 1.006 - 1.070, p=0.018), ICU admission (OR: 3.325, 95% CI: 1.132 - 9.766, p=0.029) and acute renal failure (OR: 3.383, 95% CI: 1.024 - 11.173, p=0.046) were independently associated with mortality. Conclusion: We revealed an annual candidemia incidence of 0.23% and a notably high 30-day mortality rate at our center. Older patients, individuals admitted to the ICU, and those with renal dysfunction may face an elevated risk of mortality, underscoring the importance of close monitoring in these populations. Population-based studies are required to create new approaches to prevent and treat candidemia.

Epidemiology of candidemia during COVID-19 pandemic era in a teaching hospital: A non-concurrent cohort study.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, an increase in the incidence of bloodstream infections caused by fungi of the Candida genus, also known as candidemia, was observed in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection. This study aimed to assess the incidence of candidemia, the factors related to COVID-19-associated candidemia (CAC), and prognostic factors. A non-concurrent cohort of 87 cases of patients aged over 18 years with candidemia between March 2020 and February 2022 was evaluated. Incidence density (ID) was calculated by the number of patient-days during the period. All causes of mortality within 30 days of observation were considered. Logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards regression were used, respectively, to determine factors associated with CAC and prognostic factors. Values <0.05 were considered significant. The ID of CAC was eight times higher than candidemia in patients without COVID-19 [2.40 per 1000 person-days vs. 0.27 per 1000 person-days; P<.01]. The corticosteroid therapy was as an independent factor associated with CAC [OR=15.98 (3.64-70.03), P<.01], while abdominal surgery was associated with candidemia in patients without COVID-19 [OR=0.09 (0.01-0.88), P=.04]. Both patients with and without COVID-19 had a high 30 days-mortality rate (80.8% vs. 73.8%, respectively; P=.59). Liver disease [HR=3.36 (1.22-9.27); P=.02] and the Charlson score [HR=1.17 (1.01-1.34); P=.03] were independent factors of death, while the use of antifungals [HR=0.15 (0.07-0.33); P<.01] and removal of the central venous catheter [HR=0.26 (0.12-0.56); P<.01] independently reduced the risk of death. These findings highlight the high incidence of candidemia in COVID-19 patients and its elevated mortality.

Candidaemia and Candida colonization in patients with epidermal necrolysis: aretrospective case series.

Sepsis is a leading cause of death in patients with epidermal necrolysis (EN). However, fungal infections have rarely been reported. From a monocentric retrospective study conducted between 2000 and 2023 in the medical intensive care unit of the reference centre for severe drug reactions in France, we report on the epidemiology of candidaemia and Candida sp. colonization in patients with EN. Of 155 patients with EN who were admitted to the ICU, 36 had a positive Candida sp. skin culture without candidaemia, 12 developed candidaemia and 107 had a negative skin culture and no candidaemia. Skin cultures showed a good sensitivity [89%; 95% CI (52–100%)] and excellent negative predictive values [99%; 95% CI (94–100%)] for candidaemia.

2466. The Evolution of Candidemia during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Connecticut

Abstract Background Candidemia is a life-threatening bloodstream infection. The changing epidemiology of candidemia during the COVID-19 pandemic has not been well described. The goal of this study is to describe trends in candidemia epidemiology throughout various phases of the COVID-19 pandemic in Connecticut. Methods Using statewide surveillance we identified all adult Connecticut residents with candidemia between January 2020 and October 2022. Cases were aggregated by four-month intervals. Three surges of COVID-19 (Initial, Delta, and Omicron variant surges) were identified based on statewide COVID-19 case numbers. Incidence rate ratios (IRR) were calculated to compare the incidence rate (IR) of candidemia during surge periods to the IR of candidemia in non-surge periods (four-month intervals before and after surges). Patient demographics and clinical characteristics were compared using chi-square analysis. Results 721 candidemia cases were included in the analysis (255 in 2020, 290 in 2021, and 176 in 2022). The IR of candidemia during the Initial surge was 1.49 times higher than the 4 months after the Initial surge (95% CI: 1.09-2.03). The IR of candidemia during the Delta surge was 1.46 times higher than the preceding 4 months (95% CI: 1.07-1.99) and 1.13 times higher than the 4 months after the Delta surge (95% CI: 0.84-1.51). The IR candidemia during the Omicron surge was 1.05 times higher than the preceding 4 months (95% CI: 0.78-1.41) but 1.56 times higher than 4 months after the surge (95% CI: 1.12-2.17). During surge periods candidemia was more frequently associated with persons of non-white race/ethnicity, hospital-onset infection, mechanical ventilation and mortality (all p &amp;lt; 0.05). Conclusion We identified an association between COVID-19 surges and increased rates of candidemia. Candidemia cases during surge periods occurred more frequently among non-white persons, were more likely to have hospital-onset and were more severe suggesting that COVID-19 treatments or interventions may have impacted candidemia rates. Further study is needed to understand factors that resulted in different IRs of candidemia during various phases of the COVID-19 pandemic to inform strategies to prevent candidemia during future public health crises. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

The Impact of COVID-19 on the Epidemiology and Outcomes of Candidemia: A Retrospective Study from a Tertiary Care Center in Lebanon.

Invasive fungal infections, notably candidemia, have been associated with COVID-19. The epidemiology of candidemia has significantly changed during the COVID-19 pandemic. We aim to identify the microbiological profile, resistance rates, and outcomes of COVID-19-associated candidemia (CAC) compared to patients with candidemia not associated with COVID-19. We retrospectively collected data on patients with candidemia admitted to the American University of Beirut Medical Center between 2004 and 2022. We compared the epidemiology of candidemia during and prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, we compared the outcomes of critically ill patients with CAC to those with candidemia without COVID-19 from March 2020 till March 2022. Among 245 candidemia episodes, 156 occurred prior to the pandemic and 89 during the pandemic. Of the latter, 39 (43.8%) were CAC, most of which (82%) were reported from intensive care units (ICU). Non-albicans Candida (NAC) spp. were predominant throughout the study period (67.7%). Candida auris infection was the most common cause of NAC spp. in CAC. C. glabrata had decreased susceptibility rates to fluconazole and caspofungin during the pandemic period (46.1% and 38.4%, respectively). The mortality rate in the overall ICU population during the pandemic was 76.6%, much higher than the previously reported candidemia mortality rate observed in studies involving ICU patients. There was no significant difference in 30-day mortality between CAC and non-CAC (75.0% vs. 78.1%; p = 0.76). Performing ophthalmic examination (p = 0.002), CVC removal during the 48 h following the candidemia (p = 0.008) and speciation (p = 0.028) were significantly associated with a lower case-fatality rate. The epidemiology of candidemia has been significantly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic at our center. Rigorous infection control measures and proper antifungal stewardship are essential to combat highly resistant species such as C. auris.

Candidemia - Species Distribution and Antifungal Resistance Patterns in Two Tertiary Care Centers in South India

Background: Bloodstream infections due to Candida species are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in hospitalized patients worldwide. Epidemiology of Candidemia is dynamic with reports of non-albicans Candida species on a steady increase and the emergence of C.auris reported from many centers in India. This study was undertaken to analyze species distribution and antifungal susceptibility of Candida bloodstream infections in two tertiary care centers in Telangana, South India. Material and Methods: In a retrospective analysis, Candida isolates from blood cultures of patients with suspected bloodstream infection over five years (2017-2021) were identified and tested for antifungal susceptibility by Vitek 2 Compact (Biomerieux, France). Results: A total of 85,603 blood cultures were processed from two centers from January 2017 to December 2021. Among these, 270 (0.31%) Candida species were isolated. Of the total Candida isolates, C. tropicalis (49.2%) was the most common isolate, followed by C. albicans 55 (20.3%), C. glabrata 35 (12.9%), C. parapsilosis 25 (9.2%), C. auris (5.5%), C. guilliermondii (1.4%) and C. krusei (1.1%). We have tested six antifungals and of the total isolates, resistance to fluconazole was highest (11.9%) followed by amphotericin B (7.0%), caspofungin (2.9%), voriconazole (2.3%), flucytosine (1.8%) and micafungin (0.7%). C.auris isolates were found to be resistant to two or three classes of antifungals tested and 13.3% were pandrug -resistant. Conclusion: C.tropicalis was the most common isolate and each Candida species showed varied antifungal resistance rates. We emphasize the need for the identification of Candida species and antifungal susceptibility for every invasive isolate to tailor targeted preventive and therapeutic antifungal strategies in line with current evidence and guidelines.

Species Distribution and Antifungal Susceptibilities of Candida Species Isolated From Blood Culture.

Introduction Candidaspecies (spp.) are among the leading agents of bloodstream infections. Candidemias are a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Having an understanding of Candida epidemiology and antifungal susceptibility patterns in each center is crucial in guiding the management of candidemia.In this study, the species distribution and antifungal susceptibility of Candida spp. isolated from blood culture at the University of Health Sciences, Bursa Yuksek Ihtisas Training & Research Hospital were examined and the first data on the epidemiology of candidemia in our center were presented. Methods A total of 236 Candida strains isolated from blood cultures in our hospital over a four-year period were analyzed and their antifungal susceptibilities were studied retrospectively. Strains were identified at the species complex (SC) level by the germ tube test, morphology in cornmeal-tween 80 medium, and the automated VITEK 2 Compact (bioMérieux, Marcy-l'Étoile, France) system. Antifungal susceptibility tests were performed on VITEK 2 Compact (bioMérieux, Marcy-l'Étoile, France) system. The susceptibilities of the strains to fluconazole, voriconazole, micafungin, and amphotericin B were determined according to Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines and epidemiologic cut-off values. Results Of theCandida (C.)strains, 131 wereC. albicans(55.5%), 40 wereC. parapsilosisSC (16.9%), 21 wereC. tropicalis(8.9%), 19 wereC. glabrataSC (8.1%), eight wereC. lusitaniae(3.4%), seven wereC. kefyr(3.0%), six wereC. krusei(2.6%), two wereC. guilliermondii(0.8%) and two wereC. dubliniensis(0.8%). Amphotericin B resistance was not detected inCandidastrains. Micafungin susceptibility was 98.3%, and fourC. parapsilosisSCstrains (10%) were intermediate (I) to micafungin. Fluconazole susceptibility was 87.2%. Apart fromC. kruseistrains which intrinsically resistant to fluconazole, threeC. parapsilosis(7.5%), oneC. glabrataSC (5.3%) strain were resistant (R) to fluconazole, and oneC. lusitaniae(12.5%) strain was wild-type (WT). Voriconazole susceptibility ofCandidastrains was 98.6%. TwoC. parapsilosisSC strains were I to voriconazole, while one strain was R. Conclusion In this study, the first epidemiological data of candidemia agents in our hospital were presented. It was determined that rare and naturally resistant species did not cause any problem in our center yet.C. parapsilosisSC strains showed decreased susceptibility to fluconazole, whereasCandidastrains were highly susceptible to the four antifungals tested. Close monitoring of these data will help guide the treatment of candidemia.

P150 Profile of Candidemia in a national level HAI Surveillance Network of India

Poster session 2, September 22, 2022, 12:30 PM - 1:30 PMBackground Candida is responsible for roughly 96% of all opportunistic mycoses and is a major cause of bloodstream infections (BSIs). The potential for nosocomial spread of Candidemia infections is a new concern concurrent with the rapid expansion of intensive care facilities for COVID-19 patients. With the pandemic of COVID-19 now moving into 2022, it is understood that critically ill COVID-infected patients in the ICUs are commonly infected with highly resistant bacterial and fungal infections.ObjectiveTo estimate the incidence rates and compare the epidemiology of candidemia in COVID infected and non-infected patients requiring ICU care.MethodologyIn this 2-year retrospective multicentric study, we present the findings on candidemia from the Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAI) surveillance network which includes 40 hospitals across India and with special emphasis on differences in the epidemiology of Candidemia in COVID infected and non-infected patients in the pre-COVID (April 2019 to April 2020) and COVID times (April 2020 to April 2021) across this network. We compared the incidence of candidemia between COVID infected and non-infected patients using Poisson regression analysis. Chi-squared (χ2) test was used to test for differences in variables such as gender and 14-day mortality between the patients and Wilcoxon rank-sum (Mann-Whitney) test was used to compare median between the patients.ResultsA total of 628 patients with candidemia were screened from HAI Surveillance Database where 68 patients are COVID infected and 560 non-infected patients from both pre-COVID and COVID periods. Incidence of Candida-associated BSI increased significantly from 1.47 (95% CI, 1.35-1.60) to 3.08 (95% CI, 2.38-3.92) in non-infected and COVID-infected patients respectively, while in CLABSI the rates increased from 2.62 (95% CI, 2.34-2.92) in non-infected to 5.99 (95% CI, 4.30-8.12) in COVID-infected patients. COVID infected patients in the age group (>60 years) were significantly more prone to candidemia compared to non-infected patients. During the COVID period, the maximum time for candidemia to develop (from the time of ICU admission) in COVID-infected patients was shorter (<65 days) than in non-infected patients (>90 days).ConclusionWe observed an increased incidence of candidemia in hospitalized patients during the COVID period compared with the same during the pre-COVID period.

P193 Candidemia in coronavirus disease 2019 patients in a university hospital in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Poster session 2, September 22, 2022, 12:30 PM - 1:30 PMIt is known that the incidence and epidemiology of candidemia vary according to different geographic regions and/or hosts. Between 1998 and 2019, the incidence in a university hospital in the city of Buenos Aires Argentina, ‘HCJSM’, was 2.19/1000 discharges. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic altered the previously recognized course of severe infections, including candidemia.ObjectiveThe aim of this report is to determine the incidence of candidemia in critically ill COVID-19 patients, and the clinical and microbiological aspects of these episodes hospitalized at HCJSM.MethodsThe source documents of this retrospective study are medical records from patients with Sars-Cov-2 and candidemia who were diagnosed between March 1, 2020 and June 30, 2021. At the onset of the pandemic, the HCJSM began admitting patients with COVID-19, and elective procedures were canceled. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were reviewed. All data were analyzed using RStudio, a statistical computing platform (version 4.0.2).ResultsDuring the period under review, 61 episodes of candidemia were identified: 23 episodes (39.7%) in COVID-19 patients, and 38 episodes (60,3%) in no COVID-19 patients. Incidence (x 1000 admission) in no COVID-19 patients was 2.5 (38/14 903): in COVID-19 patients 14.4 (23/1595) and in COVID-19–ICU was 42.3 (20/472). The average age of patients is of 65 years (32-84 range years). The time from admission to ICU to the development of candidemia had a median of 18 days (RIC 9-23). A total of 87.5% of the patients had been on mechanical ventilation and 100% of the patients received broad-spectrum antibiotics and had catheters. Episodes were caused by C. parapsilosis (39.7%), C. albicans (35%), C. glabrata (14%), and other species of Candida (11%). A total of 62% of COVID-19 patients who developed episodes of candidemia died during the period under examination. The survival likelihood at 30 days of COVID-19 patients who developed candidemia was higher for C. parapsilosis episodes and lower for C. glabrata episodes.ConclusionThe incidence of candidemia showed an increase in COVID-19 hospitalized severe patients. The use of broad-spectrum antibiotics, the presence of catheters, and the use of ventilatory support in COVID-19 patients were the risk factors most associated with the development of candidemia. Although the number of episodes of candidemia is low, without the strength of statistical analysis, it is important to consider that the likelihood of survival of patients with episodes of candidemia varies according to the species recovered.

COVID-19 pandemic and the evolving epidemiology of Candidemia: A topic of concern!!!

COVID-19 pandemic and the evolving epidemiology of Candidemia: A topic of concern!!!

Epidemiology of Candidemia and Fluconazole Resistance in an ICU before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic Era.

The objectives of this study were to investigate the incidence of candidemia, as well as the factors associated with Candida species distribution and fluconazole resistance, among patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) during the COVID-19 pandemic, as compared to two pre-pandemic periods. All patients admitted to the ICU due to COVID-19 from March 2020 to October 2021, as well as during two pre-pandemic periods (2005–2008 and 2012–2015), who developed candidemia, were included. During the COVID-19 study period, the incidence of candidemia was 10.2%, significantly higher compared with 3.2% and 4.2% in the two pre-pandemic periods, respectively. The proportion of non-albicans Candida species increased (from 60.6% to 62.3% and 75.8%, respectively), with a predominance of C. parapsilosis. A marked increase in fluconazole resistance (from 31% to 37.7% and 48.4%, respectively) was also observed. Regarding the total patient population with candidemia (n = 205), fluconazole resistance was independently associated with ICU length of stay (LOS) before candidemia (OR 1.03; CI: 1.01–1.06, p = 0.003), whereas the presence of shock at candidemia onset was associated with C. albicans (OR 6.89; CI: 2.2–25, p = 0.001), and with fluconazole-susceptible species (OR 0.23; CI: 0.07–0.64, p = 0.006). In conclusion, substantial increases in the incidence of candidemia, in non-albicans Candida species, and in fluconazole resistance were found in patients admitted to the ICU due to COVID-19, compared to pre-pandemic periods. At candidemia onset, prolonged ICU LOS was associated with fluconazole-resistant and the presence of shock with fluconazole-susceptible species.

Epidemiology of candidemia in lung transplant recipients and risk factors for candidemia in the early posttransplant period in the absence of universal antifungal prophylaxis.

Lung transplant recipients are at increased risk of candidemia, especially in the early posttransplant period. However, the specific predisposing factors have not been established. The natural history of candidemia after lung transplantation, in the absence of universal antifungal prophylaxis, is not known. We retrospectively examined the epidemiology of candidemia at any time posttransplant in patients who underwent lung transplantation at our center between 2016 and 2019. We undertook a case-control study and used logistic regression to evaluate the risk factors for candidemia during the first 30 days posttransplantation. During the study period 712 lung transplants were performed on 705 patients. Twenty-five lung transplant recipients (LTRs) (3.5%) experienced 31 episodes of candidemia. The median time to candidemia was 19.5 days (IQR 10.5-70.5), with 61.2% (n = 19) episodes of candidemia occurring within the first 30 days posttransplantation. Pretransplant hospitalization, posttransplant ECMO, and posttransplant renal replacement therapy were associated with an increased risk of candidemia in the first 30 days posttransplant. Of those with candidemia in the first 30 days, 31.2% died within 30 days of the index positive blood culture. Candidemia was associated with decreased survival within 30 days posttransplant. This study highlights the greatest risk period of lung transplant recipients for development of candidemia and identifies several factors associated with increased risk of candidemia. These findings will help guide future studies on antifungal prophylaxis.

Incidence of candidemia and prevalence of azole-resistant candidemia at a tertiary South African hospital - A retrospective laboratory analysis 2016-2020.

BackgroundCandidemia is associated with high morbidity and mortality. The epidemiology of candidemia has changed globally over the past 20 years. South African surveillance demonstrated a shift in epidemiology from Candida albicans to non-albicans species including Candida parapsilosis and Candida auris. Hospital-level candidemia incidence from South Africa has not been reported previously.MethodsWe performed a retrospective laboratory-based analysis of blood cultures with confirmed causative agents of candidemia. Ward type, department, gender and admission to critical care units were captured. Data were analysed in Microsoft Excel, Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) and Epitools.ResultsThe incidence of candidemia during the study period was 2.87 per 1000 admissions. The total proportion of non-albicans species causing candidemia was 425/618 (69.7%). Overall, 65.4% of candidemia cases occurred in non-critical care units. There was a significant increase in the proportion of C. auris isolates between 2016 and 2020 (p < 0.001). Isolation of C. auris was associated with admission to critical care units (p < 0.001, odds ration [OR] 3.856, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.360–6.300). The proportion of azole-resistant candidemia cases increased from 21/53 (39.6%) in 2016 to 41/59 (69.5%) in 2020 (p = 0.002).ConclusionThe incidence of candidemia remained stable over the five-year study period. However, the proportion of C. auris isolates increased significantly during the study period as did the overall proportion of azole-resistant candidemia. Antifungal stewardship and continued hospital-level surveillance are imperative.

Candidemia Among Coronavirus Disease 2019 Patients in Turkey Admitted to Intensive Care Units: A Retrospective Multicenter Study.

BackgroundWe evaluated the epidemiology of candidemia among coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients admitted to intensive care units (ICUs).MethodsWe conducted a retrospective multicenter study in Turkey between April and December 2020.ResultsTwenty-eight of 148 enrolled patients developed candidemia, yielding an incidence of 19% and incidence rate of 14/1000 patient-days. The probability of acquiring candidemia at 10, 20, and 30 days of ICU admission was 6%, 26%, and 50%, respectively. More than 80% of patients received antibiotics, corticosteroid, and mechanical ventilation. Receipt of a carbapenem (odds ratio [OR] = 6.0, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.6–22.3, P = .008), central venous catheter (OR = 4.3, 95% CI = 1.3–14.2, P = .02), and bacteremia preceding candidemia (OR = 6.6, 95% CI = 2.1–20.1, P = .001) were independent risk factors for candidemia. The mortality rate did not differ between patients with and without candidemia. Age (OR = 1.05, 95% CI = 1.01–1.09, P = .02) and mechanical ventilation (OR = 61, 95% CI = 15.8–234.9, P < .0001) were independent risk factors for death. Candida albicans was the most prevalent species overall. In Izmir, Candida parapsilosis accounted for 50% (2 of 4) of candidemia. Both C parapsilosis isolates were fluconazole nonsusceptible, harbored Erg11-Y132F mutation, and were clonal based on whole-genome sequencing. The 2 infected patients resided in ICUs with ongoing outbreaks due to fluconazole-resistant C parapsilosis.ConclusionsPhysicians should be aware of the elevated risk for candidemia among patients with COVID-19 who require ICU care. Prolonged ICU exposure and ICU practices rendered to COVID-19 patients are important contributing factors to candidemia. Emphasis should be placed on (1) heightened infection control in the ICU and (2) developing antibiotic stewardship strategies to reduce irrational antimicrobial therapy.

Increasing Incidence and Shifting Epidemiology of Candidemia in Greece: Results from the First Nationwide 10-Year Survey.

Globally, candidemia displays geographical variety in terms of epidemiology and incidence. In that respect, a nationwide Greek study was conducted, reporting the epidemiology of Candida bloodstream infections and susceptibility of isolates to antifungal agents providing evidence for empirical treatment. All microbiologically confirmed candidemia cases in patients hospitalized in 28 Greek centres during the period 2009–2018 were recorded. The study evaluated the incidence of infection/100,000 inhabitants, species distribution, and antifungal susceptibilities of isolated strains. Overall, 6057 candidemic episodes occurred during the study period, with 3% of them being mixed candidemias. The average annual incidence was 5.56/100,000 inhabitants, with significant increase over the years (p = 0.0002). C. parapsilosis species complex (SC) was the predominant causative agent (41%), followed by C. albicans (37%), C. glabrata SC (10%), C. tropicalis (7%), C. krusei (1%), and other rare Candida spp. (4%). C. albicans rates decreased from 2009 to 2018 (48% to 31%) in parallel with a doubling incidence of C. parapsilosis SC rates (28% to 49%, p < 0.0001). Resistance to amphotericin B and flucytosine was not observed. Resistance to fluconazole was detected in 20% of C. parapsilosis SC isolates, with a 4% of them being pan-azole-resistant. A considerable rising rate of resistance to this agent was observed over the study period (p < 0.0001). Echinocandin resistance was found in 3% of C. glabrata SC isolates, with 70% of them being pan-echinocandin-resistant. Resistance rate to this agent was stable over the study period. This is the first multicentre nationwide study demonstrating an increasing incidence of candidemia in Greece with a species shift toward C. parapsilosis SC. Although the overall antifungal resistance rates remain relatively low, fluconazole-resistant C. parapsilosis SC raises concern.

Increasing morbidity and mortality of candidemia over one decade in a Swiss university hospital.

BackgroundThe epidemiology of candidemia is evolving with raising concern about the emergence of intrinsically resistant non‐albicans Candida species and acquisition of antifungal resistance. In addition to microbiological surveys, epidemiological studies including clinical data are needed to assess the impact of candidemia on morbidity and mortality.ObjectivesTo assess the clinical and microbiological trends of candidemia in a Swiss university hospital.Patients/Methods.This single‐centre retrospective study compared the incidence of candidemia, Candida species distribution, antifungal resistance profiles, clinical characteristics and outcomes between two periods separated by one decade.ResultsA total of 170 candidemic episodes were included (68 from period 1, 2004‐2006, and 102 from period 2, 2014‐2017). Incidence of candidemia (0.85 to 0.97 episode/10,000 patient‐days), species distribution (55%–57% C albicans) and antifungal susceptibilities remained unchanged. During period 2, candidemia was more frequently observed in intensive care units (ICU, 38% vs 19% in period 1, P = .01) and amongst older patients (median age 68 vs 59 years old, P < .01) with more immunosuppressive conditions (24% vs 9%, P = .01). Candidemia in period 2 was more frequently followed by septic shock (23% vs 7% in period 1, P = .01) and ICU admission (42% vs 12%, P < .01) and was associated with higher mortality (34% vs 18%, P = .03). Overall, factors associated with mortality in multivariate analyses included cirrhosis, solid malignancies and ICU stay at the time of candidemia.ConclusionsDespite stable incidence, species distribution and antifungal resistance of candidemia, an epidemiological shift of the disease towards older and more critically ill patients was observed, with higher mortality rates.

Epidemiology of Candidemia in Children over 7 Years in a Medical Center in Turkey.

ABSTRACTThe aims of the study were to describe Candida species in children with candidemia, to determine the changing epidemiology of candidemia over time in our tertiary care hospital, and to examine the demographic and clinical characteristics of patients with candidemia caused by parapsilosis and nonparapsilosis Candida spp. From 2012 to 2018, we identified a total of 126 cases of candidemia. The most commonly isolated Candida sp. was C. parapsilosis (n = 71, 56.3%), followed by C. albicans (n = 34, 26.9%). A total of 21 candidemia episodes (16.6%) were caused by other Candida species. Patients were divided into two groups (parapsilosis and nonparapsilosis) to identify any potential differences between the groups in terms of risk factors, mortality, and antifungal resistance. The median age of the patients, the median durations of the hospital and pediatric intensive care unit stay, receipt of immunosuppressive therapy within 2 weeks of developing candidemia, the rate of using total parenteral nutrition, need for mechanical ventilation, and receipt of carbapenems were statistically significantly higher in the parapsilosis group than in the nonparapsilosis group (P = 0.020, P = 0.001, P = 0.011, P = 0.036, P = 0.002, P = 0.038, and P = 0.004, respectively). The overall 30-day mortality rates (4.2% versus 3.6%) and resistance to fluconazole (33.8% versus 32.7%) were similar between the groups (P = 0.790 and P = 0.860, respectively). The distribution of Candida strains isolated in this study was consistent with the global trend, with C. parapsilosis being the most commonly identified species. Determining local epidemiologic data at regular intervals in candidemia cases is important in terms of determining both the changing epidemiology and empirical antifungal agents.IMPORTANCE In our study, the changing epidemiology of Candida species in candidemia in children was evaluated. The dominance of Candida parapsilosis species in the changing epidemiology was remarkable. We found that fluconazole resistance was high in both parapsilosis and nonparapsilosis groups. Updating local epidemiologic data at certain intervals in candidemia cases is important in determining both the changing epidemiology and empirical antifungal agents.

Epidemiology of Candidemia in Kuwait: A Nationwide, Population-Based Study.

The Candida species cause a majority of invasive fungal infections. In this article, we describe the nationwide epidemiology of candidemia in Kuwait in 2018. Yeast bloodstream isolates submitted from all major hospitals and identified by phenotypic MALDI-TOF MS and/or by molecular methods were studied. Susceptibility testing was performed by Etest. Out of 313 bloodstream yeasts, 239 Candida spp. isolates (excluding duplicate isolates) were obtained during 234 candidemic episodes among 223 patients. Mixed-species candidemia and re-infection occurred in 5 and 11 patients, respectively. C. albicans (n = 74), C. parapsilosis (n = 54), C. tropicalis (n = 35), C. auris (n = 33), C. glabrata (n = 32), other Candida spp. (n = 11), and other yeasts (n = 9) caused fungemia. Nearly 50% of patients were in intensive care units. Candida spp. isolates (except C. glabrata) were susceptible to caspofungin and 27% of C. auris were amphotericin B-resistant. Resistance to fluconazole was 100% in C. auris, 17% in C. parapsilosis, 12% in C. glabrata, and 1% in C. albicans. Mortality was 47% for other Candida/yeast infections. Nationwide candidemia incidence in 2018 was 5.29 cases/100,000 inhabitants. Changes in species spectrum, increasing fluconazole resistance in C. parapsilosis, and the emergence of C. auris as a major pathogen in Kuwait are noteworthy findings. The data could be of help in informing decisions regarding planning, in the allocation of resources, and in antimicrobial stewardship.

Surveillance of Candidemia in Connecticut: An Epidemiological Comparison Between Two Periods

Background: Candidemia is the fourth most common bloodstream infection in hospitalized patients in the United States, with an attributable mortality rate between 30% and 50%. Understanding the epidemiology of candidemia is critical due to its prevalence and association with extended hospital stays, high treatment cost, and significant morbidity and mortality. In 2019 the Connecticut Department of Public Health deemed candidemia a mandatory reportable condition and began state-wide surveillance in conjunction with the CDC’s Emerging Infections Program (EIP). Previously, the EIP had conducted population-based statewide surveillance of candidemia in Connecticut from 1998 to 2000, allowing an opportunity to assess how the epidemiology of candidemia has evolved. The goal of this study is to compare state-wide Connecticut EIP candidemia data from 2 periods (1998–2000 and 2019) to identify trends in infections and incidence, providing insight for potential improvements to current prevention measures and treatments. Methods: The sample population included all Connecticut residents aged ≥20 who tested positive for a candidemia infection during 1998–2000 and 2019. Patients who had positive blood cultures for Candida spp but were &lt; 20 years old or were not Connecticut residents were excluded. Connecticut EIP candidemia case report forms from each time period were compared and matching fields were chosen as variables for univariate analysis to search for statistically significant differences. Selected variables include: Candida species present in blood culture, patient demographics, previous exposures to healthcare settings, length of stay, presence of central venous catheter (CVC), and location of the patient at diagnosis (community vs. hospital onset). De-identified patient-level information was provided by the EIP. Results: In total, 381 candidemia episodes from 1998–2000 were compared to 247 episodes in 2019. The proportion of C. albicans species in 1998–2000 was 49.9% and declined to 40.5% of cases in 2019 (P = .02). Outcomes improved as well, with 65.2% of patients in 2019 having survived compared to 51.4% in 1998–2000 (P = .001). Other findings indicate that patients with candidemia in 2019 were less likely to have a central venous catheter, less likely to have undergone a recent surgery, and were more likely to have community-onset infection (all p &lt; 0.05). Conclusions: The epidemiology of candidemia has changed over the past 20 years, with significant improvements in patient survival and a shift toward community-onset infections and non-Albicans spp. These findings have important implications in designing prevention strategies and optimizing candidemia management, particularly in the community setting where increased intravenous drug use and the availability of home healthcare may be important factors.Funding: NoDisclosures: None