Distribution and Antifungal Susceptibility of Candida Species Causing Candidemia in China: An Update From the CHIF-NET Study

Candidemia is the most common, serious fungal infection and Candida antifungal resistance is a challenge. We report recent surveillance of candidemia in China.

The study encompassed 77 Chinese hospitals over 3 years. Identification of Candida species was by mass spectrometry and DNA sequencing. Antifungal susceptibility was determined using the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute broth microdilution method.

In total, 4010 isolates were collected from candidemia patients. Although C. albicans was the most common species, non-albicans Candida species accounted for over two-thirds of isolates, predominated C. parapsilosis complex (27.1%), C. tropicalis (18.7%), and C. glabrata complex (12.0%). Most C. albicans and C. parapsilosis complex isolates were susceptible to all antifungal agents (resistance rate <5%). However, there was a decrease in voriconazole susceptibility to C. glabrata sensu stricto over the 3 years and fluconazole resistance rate in C. tropicalis tripled. Amongst less common Candida species, over one-third of C. pelliculosa isolates were coresistant to fluconazole and 5-flucytocine, and >56% of C. haemulonii isolates were multidrug resistance.

Non-albicans Candida species are the predominant cause of candidemia in China. Azole resistance is notable amongst C. tropicalis and C. glabrata. Coresistance and multidrug resistance has emerged in less common Candida species.