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Clinicomycological study of candidiasis
V Lakshmi1, T Sudharani, R R Rao
1Department of Microbiology, Nizam's Institute of Medical Sciences, Punjagutta, Hyderabad.
Journal of the Indian Medical Association
|January 1, 1993
Summary
Candida infections frequently affect debilitated and immunocompromised patients, particularly those over 51, with common species including Candida albicans. Urinary tract infections were most common, often linked to catheter use.
Area of Science:
- Clinical Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Hospital Epidemiology
Background:
- Opportunistic fungal pathogens, such as Candida species, are significant contributors to morbidity and mortality in vulnerable patient populations.
- Chronically debilitated and immunocompromised individuals are at increased risk for invasive candidiasis.
- Understanding the epidemiology of Candida infections is crucial for effective patient management and infection control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the clinical data of 100 patients with recurrent Candida isolates.
- To identify risk factors and common species associated with candidiasis in a hospital setting.
- To evaluate the outcomes of patients with Candida infections, particularly regarding antifungal therapy.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of clinical data from 100 patients with repeated isolation of Candida species.
- Review of patient demographics, underlying conditions, and treatments.
- Identification of Candida species and specimen sources.
Main Results:
- The majority of patients (40%) were over 51 years old; postoperative patients (34%) and those with diabetes mellitus (30%) showed high incidence.
- Common predisposing factors included indwelling catheters and prolonged use of antibiotics, steroids, or cytotoxic drugs.
- Candida albicans (38.9%) and Candida stellatoidea (37.1%) were the most frequently isolated species, with urine being the most common source (140 isolates), often associated with urinary catheter use.
Conclusions:
- Candida infections disproportionately affect elderly, postoperative, and diabetic patients, often linked to invasive devices and immunosuppressive therapies.
- Urinary tract candidiasis, frequently associated with indwelling urinary catheters, is a major clinical manifestation.
- Limited antifungal therapy was administered, and mortality occurred even with treatment, highlighting the severity of these infections in high-risk individuals.