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An Ex vivo Assay to Study Candida albicans Hyphal Morphogenesis in the Gastrointestinal Tract
Published on: July 1, 2020
Candida infections in paediatrics: Results from a prospective single-centre study in a tertiary care children's
Alessio Mesini1, Roberto Bandettini2, Ilaria Caviglia3
1Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Health Sciences, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.
Abstract:
To describe the epidemiology of invasive Candida infection in a tertiary care paediatric hospital. Prospective single-centre survey on all Candida strains isolated from normally sterile fluids and urines in the period 2005-2015 . A total of 299 ICI were documented in 262 patients. Urinary tract infection represented the most frequent diagnosis (62%), followed by fungaemia (34%) and peritonitis (4%). Fungaemia was most frequent in children with cancer (59%) or in low birth weight neonates (61%), while urinary tract infections were more frequent in patients with urinary tract malformation. C.albicans was the most frequently isolated species (60%) compared with C. non-albicans, but differences were present according to the site of isolation and underlying conditions. Overall 90-day mortality was 7%, 13% in fungaemias, 8% in peritonitis and 2% in urinary tract infections. The rates of invasive Candida infection increased during the study period. Invasive Candida infection is diagnosed with increasing frequency in children. Site of isolation and aetiology are frequently related with the presence of underlying, favouring conditions. Mortality was not negligible, especially in the presence of more invasive infections and specific underlying conditions.
Insights
Invasive Candida infections (ICI) are increasingly diagnosed in children, with urinary tract infections being most common. Mortality rates vary by infection type and patient condition, highlighting the need for vigilance.
Area of Science:
- Medical Microbiology
- Paediatric Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Invasive Candida infection (ICI) poses a significant threat in paediatric healthcare settings.
- Understanding the epidemiology of ICI is crucial for effective prevention and treatment strategies in children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the epidemiology of invasive Candida infection in a tertiary care paediatric hospital.
- To analyze trends, common species, and outcomes of ICI in a paediatric population over a decade.
Main Methods:
- Prospective, single-centre survey of all Candida strains isolated from sterile fluids and urines.
- Data collected from 2005 to 2015, documenting 299 invasive Candida infections in 262 patients.
Main Results:
- Urinary tract infection was the most frequent diagnosis (62%), followed by fungemia (34%).
- Candida albicans was the most common species (60%), with variations based on isolation site and patient conditions.
- Overall 90-day mortality was 7%, with higher rates for fungemia (13%) and peritonitis (8%).
Conclusions:
- Invasive Candida infection is diagnosed with increasing frequency in children.
- The site of isolation and etiological agent are often linked to underlying predisposing conditions.
- Mortality remains a concern, particularly with more invasive infections and specific patient vulnerabilities.
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