Candidemia: Predisposing Factors, Antifungal Susceptibility, Clinical Outcome and Connotations for Management

Abstract

Objective: We conducted this study to investigate the epidemiology of candidemia in our setting and to quantify the risk factors associated with disease, overall outcome, and mortality associated with candidemia. Methods: In this prospective observational study, we conducted lab-based surveillance with clinical correlation of all cases of candidemia within our ICUs during the period (2016–2018). Clinical assessment was done on day 5 and day 30, and comorbidities, clinical features, and outcome were observed within 30 days after the diagnosis. The diagnosis was made on the basis of positive blood culture for Candida spp and a compatible clinical picture. The demographic characteristics, sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) scores, comorbidities, use of invasive devices, antibiotics administered were observed, and antifungal susceptibility testing was performed according to CLSI guidelines. Type and duration of antifungal administered and outcomes were noted. Results: In total, 48 episodes of candidemia, with 29 (60%) males and 19 (40%) females, were identified during the study period. C. albicans was the most common specie responsible for candidemia, causing 17 of the cases (~35%), whereas rest of the cases were caused by non–albicans spp, which included C. auris, accounting for 9 (19%) C. parapsilosis and C. tropicalis 7 (15%) each, C. glabrata and C. famata 2 (6%), and C. krusei was isolated in only 2 cases (4%). Among modifiable risk factors, CVC insertion and antibiotic exposure were the leading factors, seen in 100% of patient. Candida colonization was observed in 26 patients (28%), of whom 2 (4%) had multifocal Candida colonization. Among evaluable patients, 17 (35%) died within 30 days of the onset of candidemia. C. tropicalis was associated with the highest mortality rate, 27% (n = 4) in this cohort. Regarding the crude mortality in the different units, patients in medical ICU had the highest mortality rate (54%). In vitro activity of 3 systemically active antifungal agents was tested against 48 isolates of Candida spp. Based on CLSI break points, the susceptibility to voriconazole was 98%; only 1 isolate was resistant to voriconazole. Among candidemia-positive cases, 28 patients (58%) had taken the antifungals for >14 days, whereas 18 (37.5%) were treated for <14 days and 2 (4%) died before the initiation of therapy. Conclusions: In our study, C. albicans was the most common specie responsible for candidemia, but non–albicans spp are also emerging, with higher in vitro resistance to antifungals.

Funding: None

Disclosures: None