Related Experiment Videos
Quantitative blood cultures in candidemia
A Telenti1, J M Steckelberg, L Stockman
1Division of Infectious Diseases and Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905.
Mayo Clinic Proceedings
|November 1, 1991
Summary
High-grade candidemia (≥25 CFU/10 ml) strongly suggests an infected intravascular device, warranting its removal. Low-grade candidemia (<10 CFU/10 ml) often indicates an extravascular source, guiding further diagnostic and treatment strategies.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Clinical Microbiology
- Medical Diagnostics
Background:
- Candidemia, a serious bloodstream infection, can originate from various sources.
- Distinguishing between intravascular and extravascular sources is crucial for effective management.
- Quantitative blood cultures offer potential insights into infection origins.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the correlation between quantitative peripheral blood culture results and the source of candidemia.
- To determine if colony counts can differentiate intravascular from extravascular candidemia.
- To assess the utility of quantitative cultures in guiding clinical decisions.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 172 candidemia episodes in 169 patients.
- Categorization of infection sources: intravascular devices, extravascular sites, endocarditis, or unidentified.
- Determination of peripheral blood colony counts using the lysis-centrifugation system.
- Definition of high-grade (≥25 CFU/10 ml) and low-grade (<10 CFU/10 ml) candidemia.
Main Results:
- High-grade candidemia (90%) was predominantly associated with infected intravascular devices.
- Low-grade candidemia (82%) was frequently linked to extravascular or unidentified sources.
- Colony counts decreased significantly within 72 hours of intravascular device removal in responsive cases.
Conclusions:
- Quantitative peripheral blood cultures can aid in distinguishing the source of candidemia.
- High candidemia colony counts should prompt intravascular device removal.
- Declining colony counts post-device removal suggest successful intervention, while persistence indicates alternative sources.