Investigation of Candida Species Isolated from Blood Cultures in Intensive Care Units

Aim: Invasive Candida infections are an increasing cause of mortality and morbidity, especially in patients being treated in intensive care patients. The delayed treatment of candidemia is an important determinant of patient progression. In this study, we aimed to determine the species distribution of Candida infections in intensive care units and to contribute to epidemiological data and empirical antifungal treatment selection.
Materials and Methods: Candida species isolated from blood cultures of patients hospitalized in intensive care units between 2019-2020 were examined in the study. Blood samples were cultivated and incubated in automated blood culture system media (BACTEC PLUS Aerobic/F, BACTEC 9120, USA). Positive signaling blood culture samples were inoculated on SDA and blood agar medium, and growing yeast isolates were identified using VITEK 2 Compact System (bioMérieux, France).
Results: Candida growth was detected in 95 patients in total. The most frequently isolated species was Candida parapsilosis (45%), followed by Candida albicans (37.5%), Candida glabrata (8.5%), Candida tropicalis (7.5%) and Candida famata (1%), respectively. The mortality rate of these patients with candidemia was found to be 76%.
Conclusion: We believe that this will contribute to the reduction of mortality and morbidity by determining the distribution of species and the treatment protocol to be selected for candida infections
in intensive care units.
Key words: Candida Species, Candidemia, Mortality