Candidemia in a tertiary care hospital: Changing trends

Candida has emerged as a major cause of blood stream infections and ranks among the top ten pathogens responsible for hospital acquired infections. It is more common in children and adults admitted in critical care units. Though was the most commonly isolated species there has been a shift to Non-albicans species of Candida (NAC) as the major causative agent in the recent years. Many NAC are also intrinsically resistant to azoles. Blood samples from patients with suspected candidemia were received in automated blood culture bottles. species were identified using standard microbiological techniques, including CHROM agar and VITEK 2 compact. Patient’s demographic and clinical details were collected. Data was analyzed using Microsoft excel. Out of the 4367 blood culture samples received, 131 (2.99%) grew species. Most frequently isolated species was (32%)followed by (29%). Antifungal resistance was notable: 26.8% of isolates were resistant to fluconazole , 11.5% to voriconazole,10% to caspofungin,7.7% to micafungin and 18.4% to amphotericin B. Mortality due to candidemia was 16.79%, with C.parapsilosis being the most prevalent species among deceased patients With the emergence of drug-resistant species, the treatment of candidemia is becoming increasingly challenging. Rapid diagnosis, early treatment, adherence to proper infection control and antimicrobial stewardship practices are essential to reduce the burden of candidemia in developing countries like India. Effective management strategies are crucial to improve patient outcomes and combat the rising threat of antifungal resistance.