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The Prevalence and Risk Factors of Trichosporonosis at King Abdulaziz University Hospital
Ghassan J Alboloshi1, Asif A Jiman-Fatani2,3, Dalya Attallah3
1Department of Medical Laboratories, King Abdullah Medical Complex Jeddah, Ministry of Health, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Background:
Fungal infections, especially those caused have emerged as a significant medical concern over the past three decades, particularly among immunocompromised patients. However, recent studies have highlighted the increasing prevalence of fungal infections resembling yeast other than Candida, such as trichosporonosis, especially among immunosuppressed individuals worldwide. Trichosporon has been identified as a significant contributor to superficial and invasive infections. Invasive trichosporonosis, primarily affecting immunocompromised patients, poses a significant threat with high mortality rates.
Purpose:
The current study aimed to explore the clinical epidemiology of Trichosporon spp at King Abdulaziz University Hospital (KAUH) in Saudi Arabia.
Methods:
This retrospective study aimed to assess the clinical epidemiology of Trichosporon spp. infections in microbiology cultures obtained from KAUH in Saudi Arabia. The study analyzed data from patients over a five-year period, focusing on demographic, clinical, and microbiological characteristics.
Results:
This study encompassed 21 participants, categorized into four distinct age groups. Moreover, this study indicated T. asahii as the predominant species isolated, accounting for 90.5% of infections, followed by T. mucoides (9.5%). ICU hospitalization, diabetes mellitus, taking immunosuppressive drugs, and antifungal drugs, and the use of invasive medical equipment were identified as prominent risk factors for trichosporonosis. Urinary tract infections were the most common clinical presentation, particularly among male and elderly patients. Mortality rates were high, especially among older individuals.
Conclusion:
This study contributes valuable epidemiological insights into trichosporonosis, highlighting the need for enhanced surveillance and preventive strategies in healthcare settings. Further research is warranted to optimize treatment approaches and infection control measures, ultimately reducing the burden of Trichosporon infections on patient outcomes.
Insights
Trichosporon infections are a growing concern, especially in immunocompromised patients. This study in Saudi Arabia found T. asahii to be the most common species, with UTIs being the primary presentation and high mortality rates observed.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Fungal infections, particularly invasive trichosporonosis, are a significant medical concern, especially in immunocompromised individuals.
- Non-Candida yeasts, such as Trichosporon species, are increasingly implicated in superficial and invasive infections worldwide.
- Invasive trichosporonosis presents a substantial threat with high mortality rates, necessitating further epidemiological investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the clinical epidemiology of Trichosporon species infections.
- To analyze demographic, clinical, and microbiological characteristics of Trichosporon infections at King Abdulaziz University Hospital (KAUH) in Saudi Arabia.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective study was conducted analyzing microbiology cultures from KAUH over a five-year period.
- Data from 21 participants were assessed, focusing on patient demographics, clinical presentations, and identified Trichosporon species.
- Risk factors associated with trichosporonosis were identified through analysis of patient data.
Main Results:
- Trichosporon asahii was the predominant species (90.5%), followed by T. mucoides (9.5%).
- Key risk factors included ICU hospitalization, diabetes mellitus, immunosuppressive and antifungal drug use, and invasive medical equipment.
- Urinary tract infections were the most common clinical presentation, particularly in males and elderly patients, with high mortality rates observed.
Conclusions:
- The study provides crucial epidemiological insights into trichosporonosis in Saudi Arabia.
- Enhanced surveillance and preventive strategies are needed in healthcare settings to combat Trichosporon infections.
- Further research is essential to optimize treatment and infection control measures to improve patient outcomes.
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