Comportamiento de Candida en niños hospitalizados en unidades de cuidados intensivos / Incidence of Candida in children hospitalized in intensive care units

Introducción: La candidemia es considerada el tipo de fungemia más frecuente asociada a pacientes en unidades de cuidados intensivos. Es una afección rápidamente progresiva con elevada mortalidad, la cual presenta dificultad en un diagnóstico precoz y capacidad de resistencia al tratamiento. Objetivos: Caracterizar aspectos epidemiológicos, clínicos y microbiológicos de las especies de Candida aisladas en niños hospitalizados en unidades de cuidados intensivos. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo y transversal en 143 aislamientos de especies de Candida obtenidas en hemocultivos de pacientes menores de 18 años, en el laboratorio de Microbiología del Hospital Universitario Ginecobstétrico «Mariana Grajales», en el período de enero de 2009 a diciembre de 2018. Se utilizaron tablas de contingencia (prueba de Ji Cuadrado y V de Cramer); se utilizaron las variables: edad, sexo, factores de riesgo, especies y servicios hospitalarios. Resultados: Los mayores aislamientos de candidemia correspondieron a pacientes del sexo femenino de edades comprendidas entre 29 días y 18 años. Todos fueron sometidos al uso de antimicrobianos y con ventilación mecánica. El mayor número de aislamientos en pacientes de 9 años correspondió a Candida tropicalis, que fue la más aislada en la Unidad de Neonatología y Cuidados Intensivos Pediátricos, no así en Cuidados Intermedios donde predominó Candida sin precisar especie. Por estas razones se puede señalar que existe una relación entre las especies y los servicios hospitalarios. Conclusiones: Predominaron pacientes del sexo femenino mayores de 29 días y hasta 18 años hospitalizados en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos Pediátricos; la especie más aislada fue Candida tropicalis.

Introduction: candidemia is considered the most frequent type of fungemia associated with patients hospitalized in intensive care units. It is a rapidly progressive condition with high mortality, difficult to diagnose early and resistant to treatment. Objective: to characterize the epidemiological, clinical and microbiological aspects of Candida species isolated from children hospitalized in intensive care units. Methods: a descriptive and cross-sectional study was carried out on 143 isolates of Candida species corresponding to blood cultures from patients under 18 years of age and obtained in the Microbiology laboratory at "Mariana Grajales" Gynecological and Obstetric University Hospital, from January 2009 to December 2018. Contingency tables were used (Chi- square and Cramer's V tests); age, gender, risk factors, species and hospital services were the used variables. Results: the largest candidemia isolates corresponded to female patients aged between 29 days and 18 years. All were subjected to the use of antimicrobials and mechanical ventilation. The highest number of isolates in 9-year-old patients corresponded to Candida tropicalis, which was the most isolated species in the Neonatology and Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, but not in the Intermediate Care Unit where Candida predominated without specifying the species. For these reasons, it can be pointed out that there is a relationship between species and hospital services. Conclusions: female patients older than 29 days and up to 18 years hospitalized in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit predominated; the most isolated species was Candida tropicalis.

Establishment of a recombined mannose-binding lectin protein-magnetic beads-enriched binding recombinant enzyme-assisted polymerase chain reaction assay for Candida in blood samples / 中华流行病学杂志

Objective: To establish a nested recombinant enzyme-assisted polymerase chain reaction (RAP) technique combined with recombined mannose-binding lectin protein (M1 protein)-magnetic beads enrichment for the detection of Candida albicans (C. albicans) and Candida tropicalis (C. tropicalis) in blood samples for the early diagnosis of candidemia albicans and candidiemia tropicalis. Methods: The primer probes for highly conserved regions of the internal transcribed spacerregions of C. albicans and C. tropicalis were deigned to establish RAP assays for the detections of C. albicans and C. tropicalis; The sensitivity and reproducibility of nucleic acid tests with gradient dilutions of standard strains and specificity of nucleic acid tests with common clinical pathogens causing bloodstream infection were condcuted. M1 protein-magnetic bead enriched plasma C. albicans and C. tropicalis were used for RAP and PCR in with simulated samples and the results were compared. Results: The sensitivity of the established dual RAP assay was 2.4-2.8 copies/reaction, with higher reproducibility and specificity. M1 protein-magnetic bead enrichment of pathogen combined with the dual RAP assay could complete the detections of C. albicans and C. tropicalis in plasma within 4 hours. Fie the pathogen samples at concentration <10 CFU/ml, the number of the samples tested by RAP was higher than that tested by PCR after enrichment. Conclusion: In this study, a dual RAP assay for the detections of C. albicans and C. tropicalis in blood sample was developed, which has the advantages of accuracy, rapidity, and less contaminants and has great potential for rapid detection of Candidemia.

Fatores e escores clínicos relacionados a candidemia em pacientes críticos com e sem HIV com infecção de corrente sanguínea / Clinical factors and scores related to candidemia in critically ill patients with and without HIV with bloodstream infection

Introdução: Infecções de Corrente Sanguínea (ICS) por Candida spp. apresentam alta letalidade em casos de atraso terapêutico. Na Unidade de Terapia Intensiva (UTI) do Instituto de Infectologia Emílio Ribas, a taxa de candidemia correspondeu a aproximadamente 20% das ICS em 2016, sendo o segundo agente mais frequente de ICS desde 2011. Dada tamanha relevância e demanda por métodos baratos e acessíveis de triagem de pacientes de alto risco para tal complicação, criar escores para detecção de candidemia tem se tornado uma prática frequente. De tal forma, avaliamos três escores preditores publicados na literatura aplicados em pacientes críticos com resultado sorológico majoritariamente HIV positivo. Objetivo: Identificar os fatores de risco para candidemia e o escore preditor de candidemia com melhor correlação estatística para uma população com HIV atendida em UTI especializada. Metodologia: Estudo epidemiológico retrospectivo, observacional. Por meio de revisão de literatura, onde foram identificados os escores de Leon et al, Ostrosky et al e Guillamet et al, para cálculo de amostra mínima necessária para o estudo. A seguir, foram incluídos todos os casos notificados de ICS de novembro de 2015 a setembro de 2019, de acordo com os critérios laboratoriais da ANVISA, 2017. Foram então analisados os fatores de risco para candidemia a partir de prontuários eletrônicos. Para comparar os escores, foi empregado cálculo de Kolmogorov Smirnov para definição de normalidade, Qui-quadrado e depois Teste de Fisher ou U de Mann-Whitney para amostras não dicotômicas. Resultados: Para candidemia na amostra total, na regressão univariada, infecção hospitalar prévia nos últimos 90 dias [OR 5,68, IC 95% 1,62 ­ 19,94, p = 0,007], uso de nutrição parenteral total (NPT) durante a internação [OR 3,54, IC 95% 1,49 ­ 8,41, p = 0,004], NPT nos 3 dias anteriores ao desfecho [OR 3,34 IC 95% 1,39 ­ 8,03, p = 0,007], pancreatite nos 7 dias anteriores ao desfecho [OR 3,72, IC 95% 1,19 ­ 11,59, p = 0,024] e choque séptico de foco não pulmonar [OR 2,69, IC 95% 1,07 ­ 6,81, p = 0,036], apresentaram significância. Já no modelo de regressão logística múltipla, manteve-se NPT [OR 3,55, IC 95% 1,43-8,78, p = 0,006] e pancreatite há menos de 7 dias [OR 5,68, IC 95% 1,58-20,47, p = 0,008] como fatores associados a candidemia. Nenhum dos escores de risco, quando com a pontuação mínima atingida, apresentou significância estatística ao desfecho candidemia para a amostra total. Na análise restrita aos pacientes com HIV, para desfecho candidemia, a regressão logística univariada revelou significância estatística para pancreatite nos últimos 7 dias [OR 3,58, IC 95% 1,35 ­ 12,37, p = 0,044], o uso de NPT em qualquer momento da internação [OR 3,37, IC 95% 1,26-8,98, p = 0,015), o uso de NPT nos últimos 3 dias prévios à manifestação de ICS [OR 3,13, IC 95% 1,15-8,49, p = 0,025], choque séptico de foco pulmonar [OR 3,34, IC 95% 1,20-9,31, p = 0,021], e um escore de Guillamet et al igual ou superior a 3 [OR 3,72, IC 95% 1,34-10,39, p = 0,012]. Já no modelo de regressão logística múltipla, manteve-se o escore de Guillamet et al, [OR 3,47, IC 95% 1,21 ­ 9,90, p = 0,02] e uso de NPT durante a internação [OR 3,09, IC 95% 1,12 ­ 8,54, p 0,03] como fatores associados ao desfecho candidemia. Corticoterapia nos últimos 7 dias prévios à ICS [OR 2,42, IC95% 1,06 ­ 5,49], sepse grave [OR 3,89, IC 95% 1,57 ­ 9,66], neutropenia [OR 7,26, IC 95% 1,43 ­ 37,01] e qualquer cirurgia prévia [OR 3,38, IC 95% 1,23 ­ 9,33] foram fatores associados a óbito na amostra total. Conclusão: Em UTIs com grande prevalência de pacientes com HIV, NPT e pancreatite podem ser fatores clínicos associados a candidemia. Caso tal indivíduo seja PVHA, a presença de NPT e o escore de Guillamet et al podem ser relevantes em estudos para descartar ou aumentar suspeição clínica sobre candidemia, sendo necessário mais análises sobre esse desfecho e a relevância desses escores nessa população. (AU)

Introduction: Bloodstream Infections (BSI) by Candida spp presents high lethality in cases of therapeutic delay. In the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of our institution, the candidemia rate corresponded to approximately 20% of the BSI in 2016, being the second most frequent agent of BSI since 2011. Given such relevance and demand for easy to use and affordable methods of screening patients at high risk for such complication, creating scores for candidemia has become a frequent practice. Thus, we evaluated three predictive scores published in the literature applied in critically ill patients with HIV positive status. Objective: To identify the risk factors for candidemia and the predictor score of candidemia with the best statistical correlation for a population with HIV treated in a specialized ICU. Methodology: Retrospective, observational study. Through literature review, the scores of Leon et al, Ostrosky et al and Guillamet et al were identified, and the minimum sample required for the study was calculated. Next, all reported cases of CSI from November 2015 to April 2018 were included, according to ANVISA laboratory criteria, 2017. Risk factors for candidemia were analyzed from electronic medical records. To compare the scores, Kolmogorov Smirnov was calculated for normality definition, Chi-square and then Fisher's Test or Mann-Whitney U test for non-dichotomic samples. Results: For the whole ICU population, on univariate analysis for candidemia outcome, previous hospital acquired infection over the last 90 days [OR 5.68, IC 95% 1.62 ­ 19.94 (p = 0.007)], Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN) use during hospital stay [OR 3.54, IC 95% 1.49 ­ 8.41, p = 0.004], TPN use over the the last 3 days before BSI incidence [OR 3.34 IC 95% 1.39 ­ 8.03, p = 0.007], pancreatitis 7 days prior to BSI incidence [OR 3.72, IC 95% 1.19 ­ 11.59, p = 0.024] and non-pulmonary septic shock syndrome [OR 2.69, IC 95% 1.07 ­ 6.81, p = 0.036] were significant. On the multivariate regression, TPN [OR 3.55, IC 95% 1.43-8.78, p = 0.006] and pancreatitis 7 days prior to BSI incidence [OR 5.68, IC 95% 1.58-20.47, p = 0.008] remained as candidemia associated factors. No candidemia risk score was significant to candidemia outcome when minimum requirements were attained for the whole sample. For HIV positive patients only, on univariate analysis, pancreatitis 7 days prior to BSI incidence [OR 3.58, IC 95% 1.35 ­ 12.37, p = 0.044], TPN use during hospital stay [OR 3.37, IC 95% 1.26-8.98, p = 0.015], TPN use over the the last 3 days before BSI incidence [OR 3.13, IC 95% 1.15-8.49, p = 0.025], non-pulmonary septic shock syndrome [OR 3.34, IC 95% 1.20-9.31, p = 0.021], and a Guillamet et al score point equal or superior to 3 [OR 3.72, IC 95% 1.34-10.39, p = 0.012] were significant. On the multivariate analysis, Guillamet et al, [OR 3.47, IC 95% 1.21 ­ 9.90, p = 0.02] and TPN use during hospital stay [OR 3.09, IC 95% 1.12 ­ 8.54, p = 0.03] remained significant towards candidemia outcome. Corticoid use on the last seven days before BSI [OR 2,42, IC95% 1,06 ­ 5,49], severe sepsis [OR 3,89, IC 95% 1,57 ­ 9,66], neutropenia [OR 7,26, IC 95% 1,43 ­ 37,01] and any previous surgery [OR 3,38, IC 95% 1,23 ­ 9,33] were associated with death outcome on the whole sample. Conclusion: When a patient manifest BSI in ICUs with high prevalence of HIV positive patients among its population, TPN and pancreatitis may be clinical factors associated with candidemia. Nonetheless, in HIV positive critical patients who manifest BSI, besides TPN, Guillamet et al score might also be a relevant tool to discard or raise suspicion of candidemia, although more clinical trials are required about such outcome and candidemia risk scores accuracy on this population. (AU)

Infecção do trato urinário por leveduras do gênero Candida ­ revisão de literatura / Urinary tract infection by yeast of the genus Candida - literature review / Infección del tracto urinario causada por levaduras del género Candida - revisión de la literatura

A ocorrência das infecções do trato urinário (ITU) causadas por leveduras do gênero Candida estão aumentando consideravelmente nas últimas décadas, sendo a Candida albicans a mais comumente diagnosticada como causadora deste tipo de infecções. Contudo, outras espécies, como exemplo da Candida tropicalis, estão emergindo como preocupantes causadores da doença. Neste sentido, o objetivo do presente trabalho é revisar os aspectos relacionados com as ITU causadas por leveduras do gênero Candida. Foi realizada uma pesquisa na base de dados PubMed, buscando artigos sobre a epidemiologia, patogenia e tratamento das ITU causadas por leveduras do gênero Candida. As espécies de Candida são os fungos patogênicos oportunistas mais relevantes causadores de infecções nosocomiais e podem causar infecção no trato urinário, tanto inferior (ureteres, bexiga e uretra) quanto superior (rins), principalmente em pacientes imunocomprometidos. Existem alguns fatores predisponentes, como gênero feminino, idade avançada, diabetes mellitus, hospitalização prolongada, imunossupressão, gravidez, hipertensão, neutropenia, cálculos renais, infecções nosocomiais, terapia antibiótica e procedimentos, como a cateterização, que atuam como facilitadores das ITU por Candida spp. A doença pode ocorrer de forma assintomática, porém, pode evoluir para casos mais graves com comprometimento sistêmico em situações de candidemia que pode causar a morte do paciente, principalmente se tratando de indivíduos imunocomprometidos. Sendo assim, devido ao risco existente, a doença não pode ser negligenciada e um diagnóstico preciso e um tratamento adequado devem ser estabelecidos.

The occurrence of urinary tract infections (UTI) caused by yeasts of the genus Candida has increased considerably in recent decades, with Candida albicans being the most commonly diagnosed as causing this type of infections. However, other species, such as Candida tropicalis, are emerging as worrisome causes of the disease. In this sense, the objective of the present paper is to review the aspects related to the UTI caused by yeasts of the genus Candida. A search was carried out in the PubMed database, searching for articles on the epidemiology, pathogenesis and treatment of UTI caused by yeasts of the genus Candida. Candida species are the most relevant opportunistic pathogenic fungi that cause nosocomial infections and can cause both lower (ureters, bladder and urethra) and upper (kidneys) urinary tract infections, especially in immunocompromised patients. There are some predisposing factors, such as female gender, advanced age, diabetes mellitus, prolonged hospitalization, immunosuppression, pregnancy, hypertension, neutropenia, kidney stones, nosocomial infections, antibiotic therapy and procedures, such as catheterization, that act as facilitators of UTI by Candida spp. The disease can occur asymptomatically, however, it can progress to more severe cases with systemic involvement in situations of candidemia that can cause the death of the patient, especially in immunocompromised individuals. Therefore, due to the existing risk, the disease cannot be neglected and an accurate diagnosis and adequate treatment must be established.

La aparición de infecciones del tracto urinario (ITU) causadas por levaduras del género Candida ha aumentado considerablemente en las últimas décadas. Candida albicans es la infección por levaduras más comúnmente diagnosticada. Sin embargo, otras especies, como la Candida tropicalis, están surgiendo como causa preocupante de la enfermedad. En este sentido, el objetivo del presente trabajo es revisar los aspectos relacionados con la ITU causada por levaduras del género Candida. Se realizó una búsqueda en la base de datos PubMed, buscando artículos sobre la epidemiología, la patogénesis y el tratamiento de la ITU causada por levaduras del género Candida. Las especies de Candida son los hongos patógenos oportunistas más relevantes que causan infecciones nosocomiales y pueden provocar infecciones del tracto urinario inferior (uréteres, vejiga y uretra) y superior (riñones), especialmente en pacientes inmunodeprimidos. Existen algunos factores predisponentes, como el sexo femenino, la edad avanzada, la diabetes mellitus, la hospitalización prolongada, la inmunosupresión, el embarazo, la hipertensión, la neutropenia, los cálculos renales, las infecciones nosocomiales, la terapia con antibióticos y los procedimientos como el cateterismo, que actúan como facilitadores de la ITU por Candida spp. La enfermedad puede presentarse de forma asintomática, pero puede evolucionar a casos más graves con afectación sistémica en situaciones de candidemia que pueden causar la muerte del paciente, especialmente en individuos inmunodeprimidos. Por lo tanto, debido al riesgo existente, no se puede descuidar la enfermedad y se debe establecer un diagnóstico preciso y un tratamiento adecuado.

Evaluation of the effect of antibiotics used during parenteral nutrition treatment on Candidemia

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: Parenteral nutrition is an important risk factor for candidemia. In this risk analysis study, the effect of previous antibiotic administration apart from the length of hospital stay, duration of Parenteral nutrition treatment, and Candida score parameters on developing candidemia was evaluated in the non-neutropenic patients receiving Parenteral nutrition treatment. METHODS: In this double center, retrospective, and cross-sectional study, the data of patients who received Parenteral nutrition treatment were collected. Patients with or without candidemia after the initiation of Parenteral nutrition treatment were compared in terms of demographic features, Candida score, length of hospital stay, duration of Parenteral nutrition treatment, and previous use of antibiotics. Then, predictor factors affecting the probability of candidemia during Candida growth time were determined by the Cox regression analysis. RESULTS: A total of 148 patients (59.5% males) were included and 16 (10.81%) of these had candidemia after initiation of parenteral nutrition treatment. The median (min-max) duration of parenteral nutrition treatment was 11 (4-72) days and the Candida growth time was 13 (7-29) days. Statistically significant differences were found between patients with or without candidemia groups in terms of length of hospital stay (p<0.001), duration of parenteral nutrition treatment (p<0.001), and Candida score (p<0.001). To determine the effect of these variables and antibiotics on candidemia, length of hospital stay [Hazard Ratio 1.030; p=0.021] and piperacillin-tazobactam (Hazard Ratio 5.626; p=0.030) were found significant and independent risk factors on the development of candidemia. CONCLUSION: There are some well-known risk factors including length of hospital stay, duration of Parenteral nutrition treatment, and Candida score; the potential impact of piperacillin-tazobactam administration should also be considered since they may be effective on the development of candidemia.

Infecciones fúngicas en pacientes con COVID-19 / Fungal infections in patients with COVID-19

En diciembre de 2019 se identificó en Wuhan, China, un nuevo coronavirus denominado SARS-CoV-2, agente causal de la epidemia de neumonía atípica COVID-2019, que el 11 de marzo de 2020 fue declarada pandemia por la OMS.Hasta el 30 de septiembre de 2020, en Argentina fueron confirmados 751.001 casos y más de 16.937 muertes.La frecuencia y el impacto de las coinfecciones que afectan a los pacientes infectados por SARS-Cov-2 se ha estudiado junto con el avance de la pandemia. Entre las debidas a hongos se encuentran las fungemias por Candida sp, la aspergilosis invasora, las micosis sistémicas endémicas y la neumocistosis. Presentamos las distintas coinfecciones micosis-COVID-19 que fueron asistidas en nuestra institución entre abril y septiembre de 2020, y se realiza un análisis de las características de estas infecciones en pacientes con y sin sida. En este período se internaron 2837 pacientes, 2287 tuvieron diagnóstico confirmado de COVID-19. La coinfección de COVID-19 con micosis pulmonares o sistémicas fue menor al 1%.Dieciocho pacientes presentaron infecciones fúngicas pulmonares o sistémicas. Ocho padecieron candidemias, cinco criptococosis meningeas, dos histoplasmosis, dos aspergilosis invasoras agudas probables y una aspergilosis pulmonar crónica. La estadía prolongada en terapia intensiva facilitó las fungemias por Candida sp, los casos de histoplasmosis y criptococosis parecen relacionarse con la enfermedad avanzada por VIH y no con COVID-19. Los enfermos con un componente inflamatorio basal alto con neumonía grave por coronavirus se relacionan más con micosis invasoras que los enfermos VIH positivos con niveles bajos de LTCD4+

On December 2019 a new coronavirus (SARS-CoV2) result in atypical pneumonía epidemic, it was identified in Wuhan China and it was called COVID-19. Then on March 11 was declared pandemic by the WHO.Until September 30, 2020 in Argentina 751,001 cases and more than 16,937 deaths have been confirmed. The frequency and impact of co-infections affecting SARS-Cov2 infected patients has been studied with the advance of the pandemic. Among those due to fungi are Candida sp fungemias, invasive aspergillosis, endemic systemic mycoses, and pneumocystosis.We present the different mycosis-COVID-19 co-infections that were assisted in F. J. Muñiz Hospital between April and September of this year and review the characteristics of these infections in patients with and without AIDS is carried out.In this period, 2,837 patients were admitted in the Muñiz hospital, 2,287 had a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19.Co-infection of COVID-19 with pulmonary or systemic mycoses was less than 1%.Eighteen patients had pulmonary or systemic fungal infections. Eight suffered from candidemia, five meningeal cryptococcosis, two histoplasmosis, two probable acute invasive aspergillosis, and one chronic pulmonary aspergillosis.Prolonged stay in intensive care facilitated fungemia due to Candida sp. Histoplasmosis and cryptococcosis cases seem to be related to advanced HIV disease and not to COVID-19.Patients with a high baseline inflammatory component with severe coronavirus pneumonia are more associated with invasive mycoses than HIV-positive patients with low levels of LTCD4 +

Clinical and epidemiological aspects of Candidemia in eight medical centers in the state of Parana, Brazil: Parana Candidemia Network

ABSTRACT Objectives: Candida spp. has been reported as one of the common agents of nosocomial bloodstream infections and is associated with a high mortality. Therefore, this study evaluated the clinical findings, local epidemiology, and microbiological aspects of candidemia in eight tertiary medical centers in the state of Parana, South of Brazil. Methods: In this study, we reported 100 episodes of candidemia in patients admitted to eight different hospitals in five cities of the state of Parana, Brazil, using data collected locally (2016 and 2017) and tabulated online. Results: The incidence was found to be 2.7 / 1000 patients / day and 1.2 / 1000 admissions. C. albicans was responsible for 49% of all candidemia episodes. Cancer and surgery were the two most common underlying conditions associated with candidemia. The mortality rate within 30 days was 48%, and removal of the central venous catheter (p = 0.029) as well as empirical or prophylactic exposure to antifungals were both related to improved survival (p = 0.033). Conclusions: This study highlights the high burden and mortality rates of candidemia in hospitals from Parana as well as the need to enhance antifungal stewardship program in the enrolled medical centers.

Heterogeneidad del tratamiento para cándida parapsilosis en endocarditis micótica de válvula nativa / Types of treatments for native-valve endocarditis due to candida parapsilosis

Introducción: las infecciones por cándida en el ámbito intrahospitalario han ido en ascenso en las últimas décadas en especial en las unidades de cuidado intensivo (UCI), dado el uso cada vez más frecuente de antibióticos de amplio espectro y de procedimientos invasivos tanto diagnósticos como terapéuticos. Hoy se consideran las especies de cándida como la cuarta causa de infección del torrente sanguíneo en los Estados Unidos de Norteamérica, con alto riesgo de complicaciones que incluyen endocarditis, trombosis y embolismo séptico al sistema nervioso central (SNC) entre otros. En relación con la endocarditis por especies de cándida, se ha considerado de mal pronóstico por el alto riesgo de afectación al SNC, por lo que se ha recomendado el manejo quirúrgico como piedra angular de su tratamiento. Presentación del caso: se describe el caso clínico de un paciente con endocarditis y con candidemia por Candida parapsilosis a quien se le realizó manejo médico.

Nosocomial Candida infections have increased in the last decades particularly in the intensive care units (ICU) due to the rise in broad-spectrum antibiotics usage and invasive diagnostic and therapeutic procedures usage. Today, Candida species are recognized as the fourth causative organisms of endovascular infection in the United States of America posing a high risk of endocarditis, thrombosis and septic embolization to the central nervous system (CNS). Endocarditis due to Candida species is associated with a poor prognosis because of the increased risk of CNS involvement for which surgical approach has been recommended as the cornerstone of therapy. We hereby report a patient with endocarditis and candidemia due to Candida parapsilosis, who received medical management.

Candidemia: características en los adultos mayores / Candidemia: characteristics in elderly patients

Resumen Introducción: La candidemia es una micosis sistémica asociada a los cuidados de la salud de elevada morbimortalidad. Los adultos mayores presentan las tasas más altas y la información en esta población es escasa. Objetivos: Describir las características de las candidemias en los adultos mayores, identificar factores asociados a mortalidad y evaluar la utilidad de un score predictor. Métodos: Estudio retrospectivo de las candidemias en adultos mayores en un hospital de la ciudad de Buenos Aires. Se analizaron todos los episodios en pacientes mayores de 60 años en un período de ocho años. Resultados: Se incluyeron 59 episodios. La co-morbilidad más frecuente fue diabetes mellitus. El principal sitio de origen fue infección asociada a catéter (45%). Sólo 17% presentó un Candida score mayor a 2,5. La mortalidad global a las 48 h fue 20% y a 15 días 49%. Las variables asociadas a mortalidad fueron: shock, asistencia respiratoria mecánica (ARM), plaquetopenia, insuficiencia renal y leucocitosis (rango p < 0,0001-0,006). En el análisis multivariado el shock fue la única variable independiente asociada a mortalidad (HR 4,02 [IC 95% 1,18-13,72], p = 0,026). Conclusiones: La mitad de los adultos mayores con candidemia falleció en los primeros 15 días. Shock, ARM, plaquetopenia, insuficiencia renal y leucocitosis fueron factores asociados a mortalidad. El score predictor de uso habitual no fue útil en esta población.

Abstract Background: Candidemia is a nosocomial bloodstream infection and an important cause of comorbidity and mortality. Elderly patients present the highest rates of candidemia but data about this population is scarce. Aims: To describe characteristics of candidemia in elderly patients, to identify risk factors associated with mortality and to evaluate the usefulness of a predictive score. Methods: A retrospective observational study of candidemia in elderly patients from a tertiary care hospital was carried out. We analyzed all Candida bloodstream infections during an eight-year period in patients older than 60 years. Results: Fifty-nine episodes were included. Diabetes was the most frequent comorbidity. Most candidemia were catheter related infections (45%). Only 17% of patients had a Candida score > 2.5. Overall mortality at 48 hours was 20%, and at 15 days was 49%. Mortality-related factors were shock, assisted mechanical ventilation, thrombocytopenia, renal failure and leukocytosis (p range < 0.0001-0.006). On multivariate analysis septic shock was independently associated with mortality (HR 4.02 [CI 95% 1.18-13.72] p = 0.026). Conclusions: Nearly half of patients with candidemia died during the first fifteen days. Shock, assisted mechanical ventilation, thrombocytopenia, renal failure, and leukocytosis were factors associated with mortality. The predictive score was not useful in this population.

Candidemia en Colombia / Candidemia in Colombia

En Colombia, especialmente en las unidades de cuidados intensivos, la candidemia es una causa frecuente de infección del torrente sanguíneo y representa el 88 % de las infecciones fúngicas en pacientes hospitalizados, con una mortalidad entre 36 y 78 %. Su incidencia en Colombia es mayor a la reportada en los países desarrollados e, incluso, en otros países de Latinoamérica. Para su manejo deben considerarse los factores de riesgo del paciente, luego valorar las características clínicas y, finalmente, hacer los estudios microbiológicos y, si es necesario, pruebas moleculares. En general, las guías estadounidenses, latinoamericanas y europeas recomiendan las equinocandinas como el tratamiento de primera línea de la candidemia y difieren en el uso de fluconazol dependiendo de la 'evidencia', la gravedad de la enfermedad, la exposición previa a los azoles y la prevalencia de Candida no albicans. Dada su gran incidencia en nuestro país, asociada con una elevada mortalidad, esta infección debe buscarse sistemáticamente en pacientes con factores de riesgo, con el fin de iniciar oportunamente el tratamiento antifúngico.

In Colombia, especially in intensive care units, candidemia is a frequent cause of infection, accounting for 88% of fungal infections in hospitalized patients, with mortality ranging from 36% to 78%. Its incidence in Colombia is higher than that reported in developed countries and even higher than in other Latin American countries. First, the patient's risk factors should be considered, and then clinical characteristics should be assessed. Finally, microbiological studies are recommended and if the evidence supports its use, molecular testing. In general, American, Latin American, and European guides place the echinocandins as the first-line treatment for candidemia and differ in the use of fluconazole based on evidence, disease severity, previous exposure to azoles, and prevalence of Candida non-albicans. Taking into account the high incidence of this disease in our setting, it should be looked for in patients with risk factors to start a prompt empirical anti-fungal treatment.

Risk factors associated with mortality among patients who had candidemia in a university hospital

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Bloodstream infection due to Candida spp. is a primary cause of morbidity and mortality in tertiary hospitals. METHODS: In this retrospective study, we included patients with a positive blood culture for Candida spp. after 48 h of hospitalization. RESULTS A total of 335 patients who had candidemia were included in this study. Risk factors associated with mortality were hospitalization in internal medicine units and surgical clinics, age >60 years, mechanical ventilation, orotracheal intubation, hemodialysis, corticosteroids use, and C. parapsilosis infection. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the importance of health care related to invasive procedures and actions to improve patient immunity.

Distribuição das espécies de crípticas de Candida em isolados de corrente sanguínea: identificação e perfil de sensibilidade antifúngica / Distribution of Candida cryptic species in bloodstream isolates: identification and antifungal sensitivity profile

Candidemias caracterizam um grave problema de saúde pública em todo mundo pela alta mortalidade dos casos, onde as espécies apresentam variação epidemiológica e na sensibilidade aos antifúngicos. Objetivou-se demonstrar a frequência de espécies de Candida, enfatizando as espécies crípticas e caracterizar o perfil de sensibilidade antifúngica de cepas em casos de candidemia, internados em hospitais do estado de São Paulo, onde Instituto Adolfo Lutz é o laboratório de referência. As cepas, únicas de cada paciente, foram recebidas de 22 hospitais públicos gerais, filantrópico, escola e especializado em infectologia. A identificação fenotípica para determinação dos complexos deu-se por análise morfológica e bioquímica, por métodos auxanográficos. Para discriminar espécies crípticas aplicaram-se técnicas moleculares das mais simples às complexas, sendo elas: PCR, PCR-RFLP, MALDI-TOF e sequenciamento. Os antifúngicos utilizados nos testes de sensibilidade foram: fluconazol, voriconazol, caspofungina, micafungina, anidulafungina e anfotericina B. Nos anos de 2017 e 2018, foram estudadas 144 cepas de candidemia com as seguintes espécies crípticas: C. parapsilosis sensu stricto (47/144; 32,6%), C. orthopsilosis (4/144; 2,7%), C. metapsilosis (2/144; 1,4%), C. albicans ssss (40/144; 27,8%), C. dubliniensis (2/144, 1,4%), C. glabrata (14/144; 9,7%), C. haemulonii (2/144; 1,4%), C. haemulonii var. vulnera (3/144; 2,1); C. duobushaemulonii (1/144; 0,7%) e C. guilliermondii (2/144; 1,4%). As demais espécies foram: C. tropicalis (21/144; 14,6%), C. krusei (4/144; 2,8%), C. pelliculosa (1/144; 0,7%) e C. kefyr (1/144; 0,7%). Para FCZ foram encontradas 3 cepas de C. parapsilosis (3/46; 6,5%; 0,12->64 µg/mL) e em uma de C. tropicalis (1/21; 4,76%; 64 µg/mL) resistentes; observou-se uma cepa non-wild type de C. guilliermondii (1/2; 50%; 64 µg/mL) e altos MICs para 2 cepas de C. haemulonii var. vulnera (2/3; 66,6%; 16-32 µg/mL) e para a única cepa de C. duobushaemulonii (64 µg/mL). Alta taxa de cepas non-wild type ao VCZ (6/14; 42,8%) foi encontrada em C. glabrata. Reafirma-se neste estudo que as espécies do complexo C. haemulonii, consideradas multirresistentes aos antifúngicos, despontam com maior frequência em nosso estado, se comparado aos dados da literatura. De acordo com os resultados obtidos, a identificação por métodos moleculares representou importante estratégia para demonstrar a variedade de espécies causais de candidemias e alertar para necessidade de terapias apropriadas. A determinação de espécies crípticas propensas à resistência pode ter impacto na sobrevida de pacientes por fornecer subsídios para terapia empírica com base no perfil epidemiológico da candidemia em cada hospital, região e país. (AU)

Candidemia is a serious public health problem worldwide due to the high mortality of the cases. The species present epidemiological diversity and different profiles of sensitivity to antifungals. The aim is to show the frequency of Candida species, emphasizing the cryptic species and to characterize the antifungal sensitivity profile of strains in cases of candidemia, admitted to hospitals in the state of São Paulo, where Adolfo Lutz Institute is the reference laboratory. The strains, unique to each patient, were received from 22 general public hospitals, philanthropic, sshool, and specialized in infectious diseases. The phenotypic identification to determine the complex was done by morphological and biochemical analysis, using auxanographic methods. To discriminate cryptic species, molecular techniques from the simplest to the most complex were applied, namely: PCR, PCR-RFLP, MALDI-TOF, and Sequencing. The antifungals used in the susceptibility tests were: fluconazole, voriconazole, caspofungin, micafungin, anidulafungin and amphotericin B. In the years 2017 and 2018, 144 strains of candidemia were studied with the following cryptic species: C. parapsilosis sensu stricto ss (47/144; 32.6%), C. orthopsilosis (4/144; 2.7%), C. metapsilosis (2/144; 1.4%), C. albicans ssss (40/144; 27.8%), C. dubliniensis (2/144, 1.4%), C. glabrata (14/144; 9 , 7%), C. haemulonii (2/144; 1.4%), C. haemulonii var. vulnera (3/144; 2.1); C. duobushaemulonii (1/144; 0.7%) and C. guilliermondii (2/144; 1.4%). The other species were: C. tropicalis (21/144; 14.6%), C. krusei (4/144; 2.8%), C. pelliculosa (1/144; 0.7%) and C. kefyr (1/144; 0.7%). Resistance to FCZ was found in 3 strains of C. parapsilosis (3/46; 6.5%; 0.12-> 64 µg / mL) and 1 of C. tropicalis (1/21; 4.76%; 64 µg / mL) and non-wild type for a strain of C. guilliermondii (1/2; 50%; 64 µg / mL) and high MICs for 2 C. haemulonii var. vulnera (2/3; 66.6%; 16-32 µg / mL) and in the single strain of C. duobushaemulonii (64 µg / mL). A high rate of non-wild type to VCZ (6/14; 42.8%) was found for C. glabrata. It is reaffirmed in this study that the species of the C. haemulonii complex, considered multiresistant to antifungals, appear more frequently in our state when compared to the literature data. According to the results, the identification by molecular methods becomes an important tool for the construction of surveillance strategies in hospitals. The determination of cryptic species prone to resistance may have an impact on patient survival by providing subsidies for empirical therapy based on the epidemiological profile of candidemia in each hospital, region, and country. (AU)

Colombian consensus on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of Candida Spp. disease in children and adults, / Consenso Colombiano Para el Diagnóstico, Tratamiento y Prevención de la Enfermedad por Candida Spp. en Niños y Adultos

Invasive Candidiasis (IC) and candidemia (as its most frequent manifestation) have become the main cause of opportunistic mycosis at hospital settings. This study, made by members of the Colombian Association of Infectious Diseases (ACIN), was aimed at providing a set of recommendations for the management, follow-up and prevention of IC / candidemia and mucous membrane candida infection in adult, pediatric and neonatal patients in a hospital setting, including the hemato-oncological and critical care units. All the data obtained through an exhaustive search were reviewed and analyzed in a comprehensive manner by all the members of the group, and the recommendations issued are being made after a careful review of the scientific literature available and the consensus of all specialists involved; the emergence of Candida Spp. problem is highlighted and a correct orientation to health professionals regarding the management of patients with candidiasis is provided in a rational and practical way, emphasizing patient evaluation, diagnostic strategies, prophylaxis, empirical treatment, directed treatment and preventative therapy.

La Candidiasis Invasora (CI) y la candidemia, como su manifestación más frecuente, se ha convertido en la principal causa de micosis oportunista a nivel hospitalario. Este manuscrito realizado por miembros de la Asociación Colombiana de Infectología (ACIN), tuvo como objetivo proporcionar un conjunto de recomendaciones para manejo, seguimiento y prevención de la CI/candidemia y de la infección candidiásica de mucosas, en población adulta, pediátrica y neonatal, en un entorno hospitalario, incluyendo las unidades hemato-oncológicas y unidades de cuidado crítico. Todos los datos obtenidos mediante una búsqueda exhaustiva, fueron revisados y analizados de manera amplia por todos los miembros del grupo, y las recomendaciones emitidas se elaboraron luego de la evaluación de la literatura científica disponible, y el consenso de todos los especialistas involucrados, reconociendo el problema de la emergencia de las infecciones por Candida Spp. y brindando una correcta orientación a los profesionales de la salud sobre el manejo de pacientes con enfermedad candidiásica, de una forma racional y práctica, enfatizando en la evaluación del paciente, estrategias de diagnóstico, profilaxis, tratamiento empírico, tratamiento dirigido y terapia preventiva.

Factores de riesgo y letalidad asociados a candidemia neonatal en una unidad de neonatología / Risk factors and lethality associated with neonatal candidemia in a neonatal unit

OBJETIVO: Determinar los principales factores de riesgo asociados a candidemia en neonatos. PACIENTES Y MÉTODO: Se realizó un estudio de casos y controles retrospectivo pareado, desde enero de 2014 a diciembre de 2016. Los casos fueron pacientes con aislamiento en hemocultivo y/o líquido cefalorraquídeo de Candida spp. luego de sus primeras 48 horas intrahospitalarias y los controles fueron neonatos escogidos del censo estadístico de la sala de neonatología pareados según su fecha de admisión a sala (rango de 30 días), peso al nacer, edad gestacional y condición de egreso (vivo o fallecido). Por cada caso seleccionamos dos controles. Los factores de riesgo evaluados fueron la estancia intrahospitalaria mayor a 7 días, el uso de antibióticos de amplio espectro, ventilación mecánica, nutrición parenteral mayor a 5 días, procedimientos invasivos como colocación de accesos venosos centrales y cirugías abdominales y torácicas, enterocolitis necrosante y crecimiento de microorganismo bacteriano en hemocultivo previo a la candidemia. RESULTADOS: Durante el período de estudio hubo aislamiento de Candida spp. en 141 neonatos. Se encontró que el 49% fue de Candida parapsilosis con la mayor letalidad asociada. En el análisis multivariado se identificaron como factores de riesgo la estancia intrahospitalaria mayor a 7 días (OR = 17,0, 95% IC = 2,36-122,4), uso de líneas umbilicales (OR = 9,04, 95% IC = 1,55-52,5), exposición a cirugía (OR = 12,4, 95% IC = 1,76-87,3) y el uso de meropenem (OR = 4,62, 95% IC = 1,34-15,9). CONCLUSIÓN: La estancia intrahospitalaria prolongada mayor a 7 días y la exposición a cirugía fueron los factores de riesgo más importantes en este estudio para el desarrollo de candidemia neonatal.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the main risk factors associated with neonatal candidemia. PATIENTS AND METHOD: A retrospective paired case-control study was conducted from January 2014 to December 2016. The cases were patients with isolation in blood culture and/or cerebrospinal fluid of Candida spp. after their first 48 hours in the hospital and the controls cases were neonates chosen from the statistical census of neonatology paired according to their admission date (30-day range), birth weight, gestational age, and discharge condition (alive or deceased). For each case, we select two controls. The risk factors evaluated were intrahospital stay over seven days, use of broad-spectrum antibiotics, mechanical ventilation, parenteral nutrition longer than five days, invasive procedures such as central venous access and abdominal and thoracic surgeries, necrotizing enterocolitis and growth of bacterial microorganisms in blood culture before candidemia. RESULTS: During the study period, 141 patients developed candidemia. 49% of the cases corresponded to Candida parapsilosis with the highest associated lethality rate. The multivariate analysis identified as risk factors hospital stay longer than seven days (OR = 17.0, 95% CI = 2.36-122.4), use of umbilical lines (OR = 9.04, 95% CI = 1.55-52.5), abdominal and/or thoracic surgery (OR = 12.4, 95% CI = 1.76-87.3), and treatment with Meropenem (OR = 4.62, 95% CI = 1.34-15.9). CONCLUSION: Prolonged intrahospital stay longer than seven days and thoracic and/or abdominal surgery were the most significant risk factors in this study for the development of neonatal candidemia.

Epidemiology of Candidemia at a University Hospital in Colombia, 2008-2014 / Epidemiología de los casos de candidemia en un hospital universitario en Colombia, 2008-2014

Introducción: Candida spp. es una levadura comensal de la microbiota humana. Por características del hospedero, las infecciones del torrente sanguíneo pueden aparecer y causar una gran morbimortalidad. Métodos: Estudio restrospectivo transversal analítico de los cultivos positivos para Candida spp. entre 2008 y 2014 en un hospital universitario en Bogotá, Colombia. Se evaluaron las características clínicas y microbiológicas presentes previo a la toma de la primera muestra de sangre positiva y se determinaron asociaciones con infecciones por especies no C. albicans (NCA). Resultados: Se incluyeron 123 casos de candidemia. C. albicans fue la especie más aislada (42 %). Sin embargo, las especies NCA como grupo fueron observadas más frecuentemente. Más del 70 % de los casos presentaron manejo en la unidad de cuidado intensivo, con una mediana de estancia de 14 días previo a la primera muestra de sangre positiva. Se detectaron numerosas características médicas; sin embargo, ninguna estuvo asociada con candidemia por especies NCA. Se observó resistencia a por lo menos un antifúngico en el 29 % de los casos, aunque en una muestra reducida de pruebas de sensibilidad. Conclusiones: Nuestros resultados sustentan el viraje mundial hacia la candidemia por especies NCA; pero no encontramos asociaciones clínicas en este grupo. Debe dársele prioridad a la identificación de factores de riesgo y a la optimización de los puntajes de predicción, que permitan identificar pacientes en riesgo que se beneficien de terapia preventiva.

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 Bogotá. 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.

Federation of infectious diseases societies of southern Africa guideline: Recommendations for the detection, management and prevention of healthcare-associated candida auris colonisation and disease in South Africa

Candida auris has been detected at almost 100 South African hospitals, causing large outbreaksinsome facilities, and this pathogen now accounts for approximately 1 in 10 cases of candidaemia. The objective of this guideline is to provide updated, evidence-informed recommendations outlining a best-practice approach to prevent, diagnose and manage C.auris disease in public- and private-sector healthcare settings in South Africa. The 18 practical recommendations cover five focus areas: laboratory identification and antifungal susceptibility testing, surveillance and outbreak response, infection prevention and control, clinical management and antifungal stewardship

Time of catheter removal in candidemia and mortality

ABSTRACT Background: The impact of central venous catheter (CVC) removal on the outcome of patients with candidemia is controversial, with studies reporting discrepant results depending on the time of CVC removal (early or any time during the course of candidemia). Objective: Evaluate the effect of time to CVC removal, early (within 48 h from the diagnosis of candidemia) vs. removal at any time during the course of candidemia, on the 30-day mortality. Methods: Retrospective cohort study of 285 patients with candidemia analyzing CVC removal within 48 h (first analysis) or at any time (second analysis). Results: A CVC was in place in 212 patients and was removed in 148 (69.8%), either early (88 patients, 41.5%) or late (60 patients, 28.3%). Overall, the median time to CVC removal was one day (range 1-28) but was six days (range 3-28) for those removed later. In the first analysis, APACHE II score (odds ratio [OR] 1.111, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.066-1.158), removal at any time (OR 0.079, 95% CI 0.021-0.298) and Candida parapsilosis infection (OR 0.291, 95% CI 0.133-0.638) were predictors of 30-day mortality. Early removal was not significant. In the second analysis APACHE II score (OR 1.122, 95% CI 1.071-1.175) and C. parapsilosis infection (OR 0.247, 95% CI 0.103-0.590) retained significance. Conclusions: The impact of CVC removal is dependent on whether the optimal analysis strategy is deployed and should be taken into consideration in future analyses.

Tratamiento satisfactorio con fluconazol de la candidemia relacionada con el catéter porCandida haemulonii: informe sobre dos pacientes neonatales / Successful fluconazole treatment of catheter-related candidemia caused by Candida haemulonii: report of 2 neonatal cases

La Candida haemulonii forma parte de la especie Candida no albicans. La candidemia por C. haemulonii es sumamente infrecuente, pero mortal, en los recién nacidos. Se informa sobre los dos primeros recién nacidos con candidemia por C. haemulonii en China tratados con fluconazol y se revisan dos artículos informados con anterioridad. Nuestro informe incrementa la sensibilización sobre la candidemia por C. haemulonii en recién nacidos críticos y resalta la importancia de un diagnóstico y un tratamiento tempranos de esta infección mortal.

Candida haemulonii forms part of the non-albicans Candida species. The candidemia caused by C. haemulonii is extremely rare but fatal in neonates. We reported the first two neonates with C. haemulonii candidemia in China which were treated with fluconazole and reviewed two papers previously reported. Our report adds further awareness on C. haemulonii candidemia in critical neonates and points out the importance of an early diagnosis and treatment of this fatal infection.

La endoftalmitis endógena por Candida, un marcador pronóstico / Endogenous Candida endophthalmitis, a prognostic marker

La candidiasis es la causa más común de endoftalmitis endógena. La afectación ocular se produce entre los 3 y los 15 días siguientes a la fungemia. Las dos formas características de presentación son la coriorretinitis candidiásica, que afecta a la coroides y a la retina sin afectar claramente al vítreo, y la endoftalmitis candidiásica, con presencia de lesiones vítreas redondeadas, de aspecto algodonoso (perlas vítreas), características de esta infección. Los síntomas visuales precoces más habituales son la visión borrosa y los flotadores. Se recomienda entonces realizar fondo de ojo en las 2 primeras semanas del diagnóstico de candidemia para prevenir complicaciones oculares y usar la afectación ocular como indicador de probable infección fúngica invasiva. La anfotericina B, el fluconazol, el voriconazol, el posaconazol y el ravuconazol, así como las equinocandinas entre las que se encuentran la caspofungina han demostrado su utilidad en el tratamiento de la coriorretinitis, pero la efectividad disminuye en los casos de afectación vítrea si no se asocian a vitrectomía(AU)

Candidiasis is the most common cause of endogenous endophthalmitis. Ocular damage occurs within 3 and 15 days after fungemia. The two characteristic forms of presentation are Candida chorioretinitis, affecting the choroid and the retina with no clear impact on the vitreous, and Candida endophthalmitis, with the presence of rounded cottony vitreous lesions (vitreous pearls), characteristic of this infection. The most common early visual symptoms are blurred vision and floaters. It is thus recommended to perform funduscopy within the first two weeks after the candidemia diagnosis to prevent ocular complications and use the ocular damage as an indicator of probable invasive fungal infection. Amphotericin B, fluconazole, voriconazole, posaconazole and ravuconazole, as well as echinocandins, among them caspofungin, have proven useful in the treatment of chorioretinitis, but effectiveness is lower in vitreous damage cases when they are not associated to vitrectomy(AU)

Secular trends of candidemia at a Brazilian tertiary care teaching hospital

ABSTRACT Background Candidemia is the most frequent invasive fungal disease in hospitalized patients, and is associated with high mortality rates. The main objective of this study was to evaluate changes in the epidemiology of candidemia at a tertiary care hospital in a 21-year period. Methods We evaluated all episodes of candidemia diagnosed between 1996 and 2016 at a University-affiliated tertiary care hospital in Brazil. We arbitrarily divided the study period in 3: 1996-2002 (period 1), 2003-2009 (period 2) and 2010-2016 (period 3). Incidence rates were calculated using hospital admissions as denominator. Results We observed 331 episodes of candidemia. The incidence was 1.30 episodes per 1000 admissions, with no significant change over time. Candida albicans (37.5%), C. tropicalis (28.1%), C. parapsilosis (18.4%) and C. glabrata (6.9%) were the most frequent species. The proportion of patients receiving treatment increased (65.5%, 79.4% and 74.7% in periods 1, 2 and 3, respectively, p= 0.04), and the median time from candidemia to treatment initiation decreased from 4 days in period 1 (range 0-32 days) to 2 days in period 2 (range 0-33 days) and 2 days in period 3 (range 0-14 days, p< 0.001). We observed a significant decrease in the use of deoxycholate amphotericin B (47.4%, 14.8% and 11.9%), and an increase in the use of echinocandins (0%, 2.8% and 49.1%; p< 0.001). The APACHE II score increased over time (median 16, 17.5, and 22, p< 0.001). The overall 30-day mortality was 58.9%, and did not change significantly over the study period. Conclusions There was an improvement in patient care, with an increase in the proportion of patients receiving treatment and a decrease in the time to treatment initiation, but no improvement in the outcome, possibly because the proportion of sicker patients increased over time.