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Non-albicans Candida species isolated from plastic devices
E Dorko1, M Kmet'ová, A Marossy
1Department of Physiology, Medical Faculty, Safarik's University, Kosice, Slovakia.
Abstract:
In this work we point out an occurrence of non-albicans Candida species isolated from catheters, cannulas and drains. We detected eight non-albicans Candida species in 49 examined samples: C. parapsilosis (n = 26), C. tropicalis (n = 12), C. krusei (n = 4), C. claussenii, C. mesenterica (n = 2 for each), C. guilliermondii, C. kefyr and C. lusitaniae (n = 1 for each). Material examined from children hospitalized in intensive care units was the most frequent. Eight samples were from the oncology department, seven from the surgery department, six from the anaesthesiology department, four from the dialysis unit, two from the hematology department, one from the internal medicine department and one from the stomatology department. We examined cannula scraping 26 times (53%), catheter scraping 14 times (28.6%) and drain scraping nine times (18.4%).
Insights
Non-albicans Candida species were found in medical devices like catheters and drains. Candida parapsilosis was the most common species identified in samples from intensive care units.
Area of Science:
- Medical Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Healthcare-Associated Infections
Background:
- Non-albicans Candida species are increasingly recognized as significant pathogens.
- These fungi can colonize and infect patients through indwelling medical devices.
- Understanding the prevalence of specific species is crucial for effective treatment and infection control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and quantify non-albicans Candida species isolated from various medical devices.
- To determine the frequency of isolation from different clinical departments and patient populations.
- To analyze the types of medical devices most frequently associated with these fungal infections.
Main Methods:
- Samples were collected from catheters, cannulas, and drains from 49 patients.
- Microbiological culture and identification techniques were used to detect Candida species.
- Data were analyzed based on species, clinical department, and device type.
Main Results:
- Eight different non-albicans Candida species were identified.
- Candida parapsilosis (53%) was the most prevalent species, followed by Candida tropicalis (24.5%).
- Samples from pediatric intensive care units were most frequent, with cannulas being the most common device (53%).
Conclusions:
- Non-albicans Candida species, particularly C. parapsilosis, are frequently isolated from invasive medical devices.
- Intensive care units, especially in pediatric patients, represent a significant source of these infections.
- Surveillance and targeted interventions are necessary to manage Candida-related device infections.