Non-albicans candidemia in cancer patients as an increasing health problem: A comprehensive review and meta-analysis

ABSTRACT

Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of Candida species in cancer patients with candidemia around the world, and to identify related risk factors and their antifungal resistance, with an emphasis on non-albicans Candida species (NACs). Methods: The published papers related to the subject were systematically searched in databases of MEDLINE (including PubMed), Web of Science, Scopus, Science Direct, and Google Scholar between the 1 st January 2000 and 21 st April 2021. Results: Among the 4 546 records, 69 studies met the inclusion criteria. The pooled prevalence of NACs in cancer patients with candidemia was 62% (95% CI 58%-67%; I 2 =94.85%, P=0.00). Based on type of cancer, the pooled prevalence of NACs in hematologic and solid cancer patients were 68% (95% CI 65%-70%) and 52% (95% CI 49%-54%), respectively. Among NACs, Candida (C.) parapsilosis was the most frequently isolated organism followed by C. tropicalis and C. glabrata. In addition, the therapeutic usage of antibiotics was found as the most common risk factor, accounting for 85% (95% CI 81%-89%) and central venous catheter accounting for 69% (95% CI 62%-77%). Conclusions: The incidence of Candida bloodstream infections among cancer patients is a growing concern, especially when the etiologic agents of candidemia tend to shift towards NACs.