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[Persistence and variability of yeasts isolated from hospitalized patients: a comparison of results from Rostock and
U Kaben1, R Blaschke-Hellmessen, S Hellwig
1Institut für Medizinische Mikrobiologie der Universität Rostock, BR Deutschland.
Abstract:
We investigated the yeast colonizations of hospitalized patients at time of the admission to hospital (< or = 3d; 1161 patients) and during stay in hospital (> 3d-several months; 568 patients). At admission to hospital 58% of patients had yeasts in one of the investigated specimens. During stay in hospital the part of patients with yeasts increased up to 81.7%. We established remarkable differences in proof of yeasts in patients of different area of risk. The spectrum of yeasts of the patients in Rostock and Dresden shows a similar shift in frequency of the different Candida species. C. albicans was the predominant yeast. But during hospitalization we saw an elevation of patients with C. glabrata infection from 7.4 to 22.5% and C. krusei infection from 2.8% to 11.8%. There were a remarkable correlation to the area of risk. In 30.8% of the patients we observed a change in yeast spectrum: from negative cultures to positive specimens or from one Candida species to another one.
Insights
Hospitalized patients show a significant increase in yeast colonization, with Candida glabrata and Candida krusei infections rising during hospital stays. This highlights evolving yeast spectrums and risks in healthcare settings.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Hospital Epidemiology
Background:
- Yeast colonization is a concern in hospitalized patients.
- Understanding the dynamics of yeast infections is crucial for patient care.
- Previous studies have indicated varying prevalence rates of yeasts in clinical settings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate yeast colonization in hospitalized patients at admission and during their hospital stay.
- To analyze the shift in the spectrum of Candida species over time.
- To identify correlations between yeast colonization and risk areas within the hospital.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study involving 1161 patients on admission (<= 3 days) and 568 patients during extended hospital stays (> 3 days to several months).
- Microbiological analysis of patient specimens to detect yeast presence.
- Species identification of isolated yeasts, with a focus on Candida species.
Main Results:
- Yeast colonization was present in 58% of patients at admission, increasing to 81.7% during hospitalization.
- Candida albicans was the predominant yeast, but infections with Candida glabrata rose from 7.4% to 22.5%, and Candida krusei from 2.8% to 11.8%.
- A significant change in yeast spectrum was observed in 30.8% of patients, including shifts from negative to positive cultures or between different Candida species, with correlations to risk areas.
Conclusions:
- Hospitalization leads to a significant increase in yeast colonization and a notable shift in the prevalence of specific Candida species.
- The rising incidence of non-albicans Candida infections (C. glabrata, C. krusei) during hospital stays warrants attention.
- Identifying risk areas and monitoring yeast spectrum changes are essential for effective infection control strategies in hospitals.
