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Candida species isolated from cerebrospinal fluid
E Dorko1, E Pilipcinec, L Tkáciková
1Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Safárik University, 040 66 Kosice, Slovakia.
Abstract:
In the period from November 1998 to June 2001 13 cases of nosocomial meningitis were reported. Candida albicans was isolated from 54% of the patients (7); C. parapsilosis from 23% (3); C. tropicalis from 15% (2) and C. krusei from 8% (1). C. albicans was isolated from the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of five children with the following diagnoses: nonspecified tumor of the central nervous system, Hodgkin's disease, meningitis, suspect neuroinfection, and sepsis. Examination of CSF allowed us to detect 2 strains of C. albicans from adult patients, one after neurosurgery because of a brain tumor and one with a vascular disease of the brain. C. parapsilosis was found in CSF from two premature children and one child with epilepsy. Two isolates of C. tropicalis were obtained from both blood and the CSF of a child from the neonatal intensive care unit and from a child from pediatric oncology with multiple malignant neoplasms. Only one strain of C. krusei was found in the oral cavity and CSF of a patient after neurosurgery performed after head trauma.
Insights
Nosocomial meningitis cases were analyzed, with Candida albicans being the most common cause (54%). This study highlights the prevalence of Candida species in hospital-acquired meningitis, particularly in vulnerable patient groups.
Area of Science:
- Medical Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Hospital Epidemiology
Background:
- Nosocomial meningitis poses a significant threat in healthcare settings.
- Fungal meningitis, particularly Candida-related, requires specific diagnostic and treatment considerations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the incidence and species distribution of Candida in nosocomial meningitis cases.
- To identify patient populations at higher risk for fungal meningitis.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 13 nosocomial meningitis cases reported between November 1998 and June 2001.
- Microbiological examination of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and other relevant samples for Candida species identification.
Main Results:
- Candida albicans was the predominant species, isolated from 54% of patients.
- Other identified species included C. parapsilosis (23%), C. tropicalis (15%), and C. krusei (8%).
- Candida was frequently isolated from CSF in pediatric patients with central nervous system disorders, sepsis, or prematurity, and in adults post-neurosurgery or with cerebrovascular disease.
Conclusions:
- Candida species, especially C. albicans, are significant causative agents of nosocomial meningitis.
- Vulnerable populations including neonates, children with CNS conditions, and post-neurosurgical adults are at increased risk.