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Summary
Candida infections in burn patients are lethal, with high mortality rates for both burn wound infections and candidemia. Prevention through judicious antibiotic use and wound closure is crucial for control.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Burn Care
- Mycology
Background:
- Hospitalized burn patients are susceptible to fungal infections, particularly Candida species.
- Candida colonization of burn eschar is a concern in this vulnerable population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the incidence, outcomes, and mortality associated with Candida infections in hospitalized burn patients.
- To determine the risk factors and effective management strategies for invasive candidal sepsis and candidemia in burn injuries.
Main Methods:
- A 6-year retrospective study involving 1,513 hospitalized burn patients.
- Culturing of Candida organisms from patient samples, including burn eschar.
- Analysis of subsequent development of invasive candidal sepsis and candidemia.
Main Results:
- Candida was cultured from 452 (30%) of 1,513 patients.
- Invasive candidal sepsis developed in 20.7% of patients with eschar colonization.
- Mortality for untreated Candida burn wound infection was 100%, and 91.6% with treatment. Candidemia had a 76.9% mortality rate.
Conclusions:
- Candida infection in burn patients is a severe, often preterminal complication with high mortality.
- Effective control relies on prevention, including judicious use of broad-spectrum antibiotics and prompt burn wound closure.