The prevalence of pediatric nosocomial fungal infections
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Published on: July 1, 2020
Parisa Badiee1, Hadis Jafarian1
1Professor Alborzi Clinical Microbiology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
Background And Objectives:
The aim of this study was to identify the incidence of nosocomial fungal infections in pediatric patients and evaluate the etiological agents, risk factors, and sites of infections.
Materials And Methods:
Clinical samples were cultured to assess fungal colonization. When fungal nosocomial infections were suspected according to the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer criteria, clinical samples were evaluated using direct microscopic, culture, and molecular methods. Susceptibility patterns of the isolates were evaluated according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standard Institute.
Results:
From the 1450 patients, 190 cases (5.5%) were evaluated for nosocomial fungal infections. Candida colonization was observed in 35 (18.4%) patients. The rate of nosocomial fungal infections in pediatrics was 2.69% (12 cases with proven and 27 cases with probable infections, 39/1450). Bloodstream and lungs were the frequent infected sites of patients' body. Aspergillus species (Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus fumigatus), Candida species (Candida albicans, Candida parapsilosis, Candida glabrata) and Mucorales were the etiologic agents of infections. Caspofungin and luliconazole were effective antifungal agents for isolated fungi. The rate of mortality in infected patients suffering from proven and probable infections was 15.4% (6/39 cases).
Conclusion:
Due to the high mortality rates of fungal infections in pediatrics, it is essential to identify modifiable risk factors, and implement control measures along with early detection techniques in pediatric populations.
Insights
Nosocomial fungal infections affect 2.69% of pediatric patients, with bloodstream and lung infections being most common. Early detection and control measures are crucial due to a 15.4% mortality rate.
Area of Science:
- Medical Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Nosocomial fungal infections pose a significant threat in pediatric healthcare settings.
- Identifying incidence, causative agents, and risk factors is critical for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of nosocomial fungal infections in pediatric patients.
- To identify the etiological agents, risk factors, and common sites of these infections.
Main Methods:
- Clinical samples were analyzed using direct microscopy, culture, and molecular methods.
- Fungal colonization and infection were assessed based on European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer criteria.
- Antifungal susceptibility testing followed Clinical and Laboratory Standard Institute guidelines.
Main Results:
- The incidence of nosocomial fungal infections was 2.69% (39/1450 patients).
- Bloodstream and lung infections were most frequent, caused by Candida, Aspergillus, and Mucorales species.
- Mortality rate among infected patients was 15.4%.
Conclusions:
- High mortality rates underscore the need for early detection and control of fungal infections in pediatric patients.
- Identifying and addressing modifiable risk factors are essential for improving outcomes.
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