Candida auris Blood stream infection- a descriptive study from Qatar

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Mycology
• Critical Care Medicine

Background:

• Candida auris is an emerging multidrug-resistant yeast pathogen causing invasive infections.
• Healthcare-associated candidemia presents significant mortality risks.
• Antifungal resistance is a growing challenge in managing Candida auris.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize risk factors, clinical features, and outcomes of Candida auris bloodstream infections.
• To determine the antifungal susceptibility patterns of Candida auris isolates.
• To evaluate mortality associated with Candida auris fungemia.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of electronic medical records for Candida auris fungemia cases.
• Data collection included demographics, risk factors, and antifungal susceptibility.
• 30-day outcomes and mortality were analyzed.

Main Results:

• 36 cases of Candida auris fungemia were identified, primarily in ICU patients with severe COVID-19.
• Over 90% of isolates showed resistance to fluconazole; 85% were resistant to amphotericin B.
• High mortality (41.6%) was linked to high SOFA scores and lack of source control.

Conclusions:

• Candida auris candidemia has a high 30-day mortality rate.
• Amphotericin B resistance in Qatar is notably high, requiring further investigation.
• Echinocandins demonstrate high susceptibility and are recommended as first-line treatment.