Candidemia in nonneutropenic critically ill patients: risk factors for non-albicans Candida spp.

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the clinical features associated with candidemia caused by non-albicans Candida spp. and with potentially fluconazole-resistant Candida spp. (C. glabrata and C. krusei) among candidemic intensive care unit patients.

Methods: The authors conducted a nationwide prospective cohort study. Methods: The study was conducted in Australian intensive care units. Methods: All patients with intensive care unit-acquired candidemia over a 3-yr period were included in the study. Methods: Clinical risk factors occurring up to 30 days before candidemia, Candida spp. associated with candidemia, and outcomes were determined. Risk factors associated with either non-albicans Candida spp. or with potentially fluconazole-resistant Candida spp. (C. glabrata or C. krusei) were assessed using multivariate logistic regression.

Results: Among 179 episodes of intensive care unit-acquired candidemia, C. albicans accounted for 62%, C. glabrata 18%, C. krusei 4%, and other Candida spp. 16%. Independently significant variables associated with non-albicans Candida bloodstream infection included recent prior gastrointestinal surgery (adjusted odds ratio, 2.87; 95% confidence interval, 1.68-4.91) and recent prior systemic antifungal exposure (4.6; 1.36-15.53). Those associated with potentially fluconazole-resistant candidemia included recent prior gastrointestinal surgery (3.31; 1.79-6.11) and recent prior fluconazole exposure (5.47; 1.23-24.32). No significant differences in outcomes were demonstrated for non-albicans or potentially fluconazole-resistant candidemia.

Conclusions: Among candidemic intensive care unit patients, prior gastrointestinal surgery and systemic antifungal exposure were significantly associated with both a non-albicans Candida spp. and a potentially fluconazole-resistant Candida spp.