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Updated: May 26, 2026
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An Ex vivo Assay to Study Candida albicans Hyphal Morphogenesis in the Gastrointestinal Tract
Published on: July 1, 2020
Candidaemia in a European Paediatric University Hospital: a 10-year observational study
A Tragiannidis1, W Fegeler, G Rellensmann
1Department of Paediatric Haematology/Oncology, University Children's Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany.
Summary
This study on candidaemia (yeast infections in the bloodstream) found that cancer patients and those with congenital conditions were most at risk. Mortality rates were 11.4% within 100 days.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Medical Mycology
- Clinical Epidemiology
Background:
- Candidaemia, a serious bloodstream infection, poses a significant threat, particularly in vulnerable pediatric populations.
- Understanding the epidemiology and risk factors for candidaemia is crucial for effective prevention and treatment strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the clinical characteristics, risk factors, and outcomes of candidaemia in a pediatric patient cohort.
- To identify the predominant Candida species and assess antifungal resistance patterns.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective observational study from 1998-2008.
- Analysis of 35 candidaemia episodes in 32 pediatric patients.
- Review of underlying conditions, comorbidities, causative Candida species, and mortality.
Main Results:
- The incidence of candidaemia was 0.47 cases per 1000 hospital discharges.
- Predominant underlying conditions included cancer/hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (43%) and congenital malformations (21%).
- Central venous catheterization (90%), prior antibacterial therapy (69%), and previous bacteraemia (54%) were common comorbidities. Candida albicans was the most frequent species (46%), with infrequent resistance observed.
Conclusions:
- Candidaemia in children is associated with significant underlying conditions and comorbidities.
- Early identification and appropriate antifungal therapy are critical for improving outcomes in pediatric candidaemia.
