Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the trend in the incidence of candidaemia and to determine the frequency of candidemia caused by C albicans and non Candida albicans in ICU patients, risk factors and their susceptibility pattern. Subjects and methods: This study was conducted using blood samples from ICU patients, collected over a period of three years. Demographic and clinical characteristics of all the 539 patients were recorded. The samples were cultured and Candida species were isolated and identified. Susceptibility tests were carried out. Result and Conclusion: Of the 539 blood samples cultured; 153 were positive for Candida. The percentage of non Candida albicans (67.32%) isolated was more than C albicans (32.68%). Increase in prevalence of nosocomial non Candida albicans candidaemia was observed. Most frequent isolates were C krusei (39.22%) followed by C albicans. Colonization was observed on admission to the ICU. Predisposing factors and laboratory data were analyzed. The probable risk factors included prolonged ICU stay, antibiotic therapy protocols, central line, urinary catheters and malignancy. Most of the strains showed antifungal dose dependency. The results indicate the relevance of monitoring the risk factors leading to candidaemia and the increase in prevalence of non candida albicans. Our study may assist decisions to select the most appropriate empirical therapy for patients suspected to have candidaemia

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