Retrospective Analysis of all candida isolates in bloodstream infections At AUBMC

Dr. Aline Zakhem

Start: Mar 01, 2020

End: Mar 01, 2021

Abstract

In recent years, there has been a rise in the incidence of fungal infections, especially Candida bloodstream infections. Candida albicans has been the most common species causing candidemia in many centers worldwide; however, there has been a shift towards non-albicans species. It is important to characterize the epidemiology of candidemia since this will dictate empiric therapy. Risk factors such as diabetes mellitus, presence of central venous catheter, mechanical ventilation, ICU stay, use of broad-spectrum antibiotics, surgery, and others have been shown in several studies to be important in the pathogenesis of candidemia. The local resistance patterns to several antifungals is essential to establish in order to decide on the most appropriate empiric anti-fungal agent.

In Lebanon, no study has been performed in recent years to determine the epidemiology of candida species causing bacteremia or the risk factors associated with an increased risk of developing candidemia.

This is a retrospective study that will be conducted at the American University of Beirut Medical Center (AUBMC). The medical records of patient who developed candidemia at AUBMC in the last 15 years will be reviewed. The basic demographic characteristics and underlying comorbidities will be determined. The risk factors will be assessed using a univariable analysis model. Information on age, body mass index, diabetes mellitus, mechanical ventilation, ICU stay, presence of CVC catheter, candida species distribution and antifungal susceptibility and others (found in the accompanying Case Report Form) will be extracted from the medical records.

At the end of our study, we will be able to determine the baseline characteristics of patients who developed candidemia, identify the risk factors that predispose to candidemia, and describe the species distribution in candidemic patients and their antifungal susceptibility as well as the outcome of candidemia

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