Clinical and epidemiological aspects of Candida yeast infections and rational use of antifungals

Abstract

Aim: The objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical and epidemiological aspects of Candida infections. Methods: The study relied on the analysis of electronic medical records. Results: Among 183 patients with positive fungal infections, 57 were from the community and 126 from hospitals. Females predominated in both groups (82.4% in the community, 54.7% in hospitals). Non-albicans Candida spp. accounted for 62.8% of cases. Antifungal therapy was prescribed for 67 patients, with a 55.6% mortality rate. Conclusion: The increasing prevalence of non-albicans Candida species highlights the need for better candidiasis monitoring and control, especially concerning antifungal use amidst rising antimicrobial resistance, particularly in empirical therapy scenarios.

Plain language summary

Fungal infections, particularly those caused by a group of yeasts called Candida, are a major concern. This study looks at clinical laboratory and medical records. We found that certain species of Candida not previously associated with human disease are common. We also noted the inappropriate use of antifungal medication, highlighting the need for healthcare workers to carefully diagnose patients and make appropriate decisions when treating fungal infections.

Summary points

• The study aimed to evaluate clinical and epidemiological aspects of Candida infections based on the analysis of electronic medical records.

• Out of 183 patients with positive fungal infections, 57 were from the community and 126 were from the hospital.

• Female individuals predominated in both groups (82.4% in the community and 54.7% in the hospital).

• Non-albicans Candida spp. were the most commonly identified yeasts, accounting for 62.8% of cases. Antifungal therapy was prescribed for 67 patients, and a death rate of 55.6% was observed.

• The increasing incidence of non-albicans Candida spp. underscores the importance of monitoring and controlling candidiasis, especially in the context of antifungal therapy use, particularly in cases where empirical therapy is prescribed.

Keywords: :

• antifungal
• Candida albicans
• Candida non-albicans
• candidiasis
• community
• diagnosis
• epidemiology
• fungal infections
• hospital
• treatment

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank the Federal University of Juiz de Fora and Albert Sabin Hospital at Juiz de Fora for availability of medical records and research support.

Author contributions

All co-authors meet criteria for authorship. JJ Moreira Neto: design, interpretation and writing; VC Dias: data collection, analysis, interpretation and writing; BV Quinet de Andrad: data collection, interpretation; L Quinet de Andrade: interpretation, analysis; AN Bastos: data collection, interpretation; RV Bastos: work's design, interpretation; VL Silva: manuscript writing, revision; AB Ferreira Machado: analysis, interpretation and writing; CG Diniz: manuscript writing, revision. All the authors contributed to the study conception, data analysis, interpretation, writing and approved the final version to be published.

Financial disclosure

The authors have no financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

Competing interests disclosure

The authors have no competing interests or relevant affiliations with any organization or entity with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

Writing disclosure

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.

Ethical conduct of research

This study was conducted through consultation and consent of the participants in written form in accordance with the project approved by the Research Ethics Committee at the Federal University of Juiz de Fora, under approval number 3.783.237, CAAE 18611019.6.0000.5147.