ABSTRACT
AIM: Trichosporon species are the major emerging opportunistic pathogen in immunocompromised patients. Its diverse refractoriness to conventional antifungal drugs and association with high mortality rate is worrisome. The present study aims to determine the risk factors, treatment outcome and antifungal susceptibility pattern of Trichosporon species in blood stream infections. MATERIAL AND METHODS: All patients with blood culture positive for Trichosporon species from January 2012 to August 2016 at PD Hinduja National Hospital and research centre were evaluated retrospectively. Species identification and antifungal susceptibility by broth microdilution method for various drugs was determined using Vitek2 compact automated system. RESULTS: 12 patients were found to have Trichosporon blood stream infection. 9 isolates that were speciated all were T. asahii. All patients had central venous catheter and received prior antibiotics. Overall mortality rate was 50%. CONCLUSION: Higher mortality was associated with central venous catheter and voriconazole should be used as drug of choice for treatment. Identification of Trichosporon species along with its sensitivity and proper treatment of patients is of utmost importance.
