Fungemia in a university hospital: an epidemiological approach

Abstract

Introduction: Fungemia corresponds to the isolation of fungi in the bloodstream and occurs mostly in immunosuppressed patients. The early diagnosis and treatment of these infections are relevant given the serious threat to the affected patients and possible spread to other organs, often becoming fatal. The growing number of fungemia associated with poor prognosis resulted in this research aiming to diagnose and assess the epidemiological aspects of hematogenous infections by fungi. Methods: The study included 58 blood samples collected within a 1-year period, from patients at the Hospital das Clinicas, Federal University of Pernambuco, by venipuncture in vacuum tubes. Blood samples were processed for direct examination and culture and identification, conducted by observing the macroscopic and microscopic characteristics, as well as physiological characteristics when necessary. Results: Eight (13.8%) episodes of fungemia were identified, accounting for the total sample, and these pathogens were Candida, Histoplasma, Trichosporon, Cryptococcus, and a dematiaceous fungus. C. albicans was the prevalent species, accounting for 37.5% of the cases. Most affected patients were adult males. There was no predominance for any activity, and the risk of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome was the underlying pathology most often cited. Conclusions: The isolation of fungi considered as emergent species, such as C. membranifaciens and dematiaceous species, highlights the importance of epidemiological monitoring of cases of fungemia in immunocompromised patients, as the therapy of choice depends on the knowledge of the aethiological agent.

Cryptococcal endocarditis of native valves without immunodeficiency or drug abuse: a case report

“…Advances in medicine have led to prolonged survival of immunocompromised patients as well as to development of opportunistic fungal infections. 11 In recent years, fungal infection has gradually become the principal component of nosocomial infection. 12 Although our patient did not have acquired immune deficiency syndrome, a tumor, or other risk factors of fungal infections, he underwent surgery for removal of internal fixation for the clavicle 4 months previously.…”

Catheter-related candidemia and identification of causative Candida species in patients with cardiovascular disorder

“…The detection rate of non -albicans Candida species, such as C. glabrata , C. tropicalis , C. carpophila, and C. membranifacience , excluding C. albicans , has gradually increased in the last two decades ( 42 - 45 ). In this study, C. albicans was the most frequently isolated species from all different samples.…”