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Characterization of Candida parapsilosis complex strains isolated from invasive fungal infections

E Borghi1, R Sciota, R Iatta

  • 1Department of Public Health-Microbiology-Virology, Università degli Studi di Milano, Polo Universitario San Paolo, via di Rudinì 8, 20142 Milan, Italy. Elisa.borghi@unimi.it

European Journal of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases : Official Publication of the European Society of Clinical Microbiology
|April 12, 2011
PubMed

Insights

This study analyzed Candida parapsilosis complex in Italian intensive care units, finding Candida parapsilosis sensu stricto dominant. Antifungal susceptibility testing revealed varying MIC values for echinocandins and azoles against these yeast invasive fungal infections.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Mycology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Clinical Microbiology

Background:

  • The Candida parapsilosis complex is a significant cause of invasive fungal infections (IFIs), particularly in healthcare settings.
  • Understanding the species distribution and antifungal resistance patterns of this complex is crucial for effective treatment of yeast infections.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the species distribution of the Candida parapsilosis complex in clinical isolates from Italian intensive care units (ICUs).
  • To determine the in vitro antifungal susceptibility profiles of these isolates against key antifungal agents.

Main Methods:

  • Clinical isolates of Candida parapsilosis complex were collected from Italian ICUs between January 2007 and December 2008.
  • Species identification was performed using BanI digestion of secondary alcohol dehydrogenase polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products.
  • Antifungal susceptibility testing, including Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MICs), was conducted using the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) broth microdilution method.

Main Results:

  • The overall frequency of Candida parapsilosis complex in IFIs was 22%, with 138 isolates identified.
  • Candida parapsilosis sensu stricto comprised 95% of the isolates, while Candida orthopsilosis (3.6%) and Candida metapsilosis (1.4%) were less prevalent.
  • MIC(50) and MIC(90) values indicated susceptibility to echinocandins (anidulafungin, caspofungin, micafungin) and azoles (itraconazole, posaconazole, fluconazole), though with some variation.

Conclusions:

  • Candida parapsilosis sensu stricto is the predominant species causing IFIs in Italian ICUs.
  • The study confirms generally favorable antifungal susceptibility profiles for the Candida parapsilosis complex in this patient population.
  • The low prevalence of C. orthopsilosis and C. metapsilosis suggests specific epidemiological patterns in Italy for these yeast infections.

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