Epidemiology, Risk Factors and Mortality of Candidemia: Case-control Study

Introduction: Candida species are important nosocomial bloodstream infections that cause high mortality rates and prolonged hospi-talization. In this study, we aimed to determine risk factors for candidemia and the distribution of Candida species causing bloodstream infections. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted as case-control study at an 810-bed tertiary care teaching hospital between April 2014 and April 2017. Results: A total of 75 candidemia episodes were identified during the study period. Candida albicans was the most-frequent species (68%), followed by Candida glabrata (9.3%), and Candida tropicalis (6.7%). The rate of candidemia was higher in intensive care units than in other units. Prior antibiotic use [Odds Ratio (OR)= 15.52; 95% confidence interval (CI) 6.025-39.99; p<0.0001], duration of hospitalization (OR=1.043; 95% CI 1.007-1.08; p=0.019), and total parenteral nutrition (OR=1.181; 95% CI 1.032-1.353; p=0.016) were found to be independent risk factors for candidemia. Conclusion: A better understanding of the risk factors for candidemia among hospitalized patients may have significant implications for prevention.