Candida Infections of Medical Devices

Abstract

The number of indwelling medical devices is escalating, and an increasing proportion of device-related infections are being caused by Candida spp. Candida spp. produce biofilms on synthetic materials, which facilitates adhesion of the organisms to devices and renders them relatively refractory to medical therapy. Management of device-related Candida infections can be challenging. Removal of the infected device is generally needed to establish cure of Candida infections of medical devices. However, since the pathogenesis of Candida bloodstream infection is complicated, more studies are necessary to determine the role of catheter exchange in patients with both gastrointestinal tract mucositis and indwelling catheters. The medical and economic impact of these infections is enormous

Anticandidal activity of several plants used by Bentian tribe in East Kalimantan, Indonesia

“…C. Albicans accounts for approximately 50% of cases of candidemia associated with colonization of in dwelling devices, such as catheters, endotracheal tubes, and pacemakers [16,17]. Furthermore, infections caused by C. Albicans remain the predominant nosocomial fungal infections, due to the increasing population of patients whose immune systems are compromised by AIDS or immuno suppressant or anticancer therapy [18,19].…”

Candida parapsilosis complex water isolates from a haemodialysis unit: biofilm production and in vitro evaluation of the use of clinical antifungals

“…In comparison to other Candida species, C. parapsilosis has an extensive distribution in nature and is not an obligate human pathogen, having been isolated from different environmental sources (Trofa et al 2008). Those sources may represent potential routes for nosocomial transmission to patients (Kojic & Darouiche 2004).…”

“…SEM and microtitre assays results demonstrated that C. parapsilosis and C. orthopsilosis form biofilms on polystyrene and PVC surfaces in accordance with the report from Rotrosen et al (1983) that stated that both yeast cells and hyphal-form Candida can adhere to polystyrene. It is known that catheters made of synthetic polymers are more exposed to microorganisms (Delorme et al 1992) because they promote the retention of proteins (albumin and coagulation proteins) on their surfaces, increasing adhesion and microbial proliferation (Kojic & Darouiche 2004, Cappelli et al 2005. Moreover, the risk of contamination to the patient is increased when considering the stagnation of flow in the tubes within the dialysis machine, which occurs during the inter-dialysis, providing ideal conditions for the adhesion, proliferation and formation of biofilm (Man et al 1998).…”

Catheter-related bloodstream infections: catheter management according to pathogen

“…Candida spp. are the second most common cause of these device-related infections and are associated with the highest pathogen-specific mortality [72]. The burden of this infection has risen more than 200% in the past two decades and is associated with high mortality (>40%), extended hospital stays and high cost [73].…”