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Updated: May 21, 2026

Studying Microbial Communities In Vivo: A Model of Host-mediated Interaction Between Candida Albicans and Pseudomonas Aeruginosa in the Airways
06:43

Studying Microbial Communities In Vivo: A Model of Host-mediated Interaction Between Candida Albicans and Pseudomonas Aeruginosa in the Airways

Published on: January 13, 2016

Candida spp. airway colonization could promote antibiotic-resistant bacteria selection in patients with suspected

Maël Hamet1, Arnaud Pavon, Frédéric Dalle

  • 1Service de Réanimation Médicale, Hôpital Bocage Central, C.H.U. Dijon, 14 rue Gaffarel, B.P. 77908-21079, Dijon Cedex, France.

Intensive Care Medicine
|June 16, 2012
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Candida airway colonization is common in patients with suspected ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). This fungal presence increases the risk of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria isolation and is linked to higher mortality rates.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Critical Care Medicine

Background:

  • Candida spp. airway colonization may precede Pseudomonas aeruginosa-associated ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP).
  • Fungal colonization can potentially worsen VAP outcomes, irrespective of the primary pathogen.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the risk of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria isolation in patients with suspected VAP.
  • To determine if Candida spp. airway colonization influences MDR bacteria isolation and patient outcomes.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective observational study was conducted in a teaching hospital.
  • Respiratory secretions from patients with suspected VAP were cultured for yeast and standard bacteria.
  • Outcomes and MDR bacteria presence were assessed in relation to fungal colonization.

Main Results:

  • Of 323 suspected VAP cases, 181 (56%) showed Candida spp. airway colonization.
  • Patients with fungal colonization had a higher mortality rate (44.2% vs. 31.0%) and a trend towards increased MDR bacteria isolation (31.5% vs. 23.2%).
  • Candida spp. colonization was an independent risk factor for MDR bacteria isolation (OR=1.79).

Conclusions:

  • Candida spp. airway colonization is frequent in suspected VAP and associated with a higher risk of MDR bacteria isolation.
  • This association suggests that fungal colonization may contribute to worse VAP outcomes.
  • Consideration of Candida colonization is recommended for empiric antibiotic therapy selection in VAP patients.

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