Risk factors associated with Candida auris Candidemia: A single-centre retrospective case-control study

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Clinical Microbiology
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Candida auris is a growing nosocomial pathogen characterized by multidrug resistance (MDR), outbreak potential, and high mortality.
• Identifying risk factors for C. auris candidemia is critical for effective prevention and infection control strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify independent risk factors associated with Candida auris candidemia.
• To evaluate antifungal susceptibility and mortality rates in patients with C. auris candidemia.

Main Methods:

• A single-centre, retrospective case-control study involving 52 adult patients with C. auris candidemia and 104 matched controls.
• Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify independent risk factors.
• Antifungal susceptibility and 14- and 28-day all-cause mortality were assessed.

Main Results:

• Independent risk factors for C. auris candidemia included recent hospitalization, prolonged hospital stay, prior broad-spectrum antibiotic use, central venous catheter, sepsis, and high Candida Colonization Index.
• All-cause mortality was 30.8% at 14 days and 46.2% at 28 days.
• High rates of fluconazole resistance (96%) and pandrug resistance (8.7%) were observed.

Conclusions:

• Candida auris candidemia presents a severe clinical challenge with significant mortality.
• Modifiable risk factors highlight the importance of antimicrobial stewardship, colonization surveillance, and prompt recognition in high-risk individuals to mitigate impact.