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Candida spp. Deep Sternal Wound Infections: A Consequence of Antibiotic use?

Thomas McNeil1,2, Joanna Coats3, Santhosh Daniel1,2

  • 1Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Flinders Medical Centre, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.

Open Forum Infectious Diseases
|April 10, 2024
PubMed

Insights

A cluster of deep sternal wound infections caused by Candida species occurred. Broad-spectrum antibiotic use is suspected as a contributing factor to these fungal infections.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Surgical Site Infections

Background:

  • Deep sternal wound infections (DSWI) are serious complications following cardiac surgery.
  • Candida species, typically part of the normal flora, can cause opportunistic infections.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate a cluster of deep sternal wound infections caused by Candida species.
  • To identify potential risk factors and sources contributing to the outbreak.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of patient cases with deep sternal wound infections.
  • Epidemiological investigation to identify common sources or exposures.
  • Analysis of antibiotic usage patterns within the institution.

Main Results:

  • A cluster of Candida-associated deep sternal wound infections was identified.
  • No common environmental source was found to explain the cluster.
  • Significant use of broad-spectrum antibiotics for surgical prophylaxis and treatment was noted.

Conclusions:

  • Broad-spectrum antibiotic use may increase the risk of Candida surgical site infections.
  • Judicious antibiotic stewardship is crucial in preventing opportunistic fungal infections post-surgery.
Keywords:
antibiotic prophylaxisantimicrobial stewardshipcandidamediastinitissternal infection

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