Comparison of Associations, Outcomes, and Drug Susceptibility Between Candida auris and Non-Candida auris Bloodstream Infections in a University Hospital in Muscat, Oman: A Retrospective Observational Study

The objective of this study was to compare the associations, outcomes, and drug susceptibilities of patients with Candida auris bloodstream infection with those of patients with non-C. auris bloodstream infections in Muscat, Oman. A retrospective observational study was conducted that included all adult patients (≥18 years) with Candida bloodstream infection over a five-year period, from January 2018 to December 2022. A total of 160 patients were identified during the study period and constituted the study sample. They were divided into two groups: the C. auris group, comprising 58 patients, and the non-C. auris group, comprising 102 patients. On comparing the two groups, prior colonization with Candida species was one of the strongest associations with C. auris bloodstream infection, with an OR of 6.71 (95% CI, 3.26-13.80; p < 0.00001). Similarly, previous health care contact within the last 90 days was significantly associated with C. auris bloodstream infection (OR, 5.89; 95% CI, 2.61-14.24; p < 0.00001). Echinocandins may be considered an empiric treatment option in patients with suspected Candida bloodstream infection, particularly those with these associations, to target C. auris in this region.