Distribution of candida species isolated from nosocomial infections of Ankara Numune Training and Research Hospital (2010-2015)

Objective: In the recent years, the epidemiology of nosocomial Candida infections and antifungals used in the treatment have changed significantly. Although Candida albicans is the most frequently identified species, but incidence of non-albicans Candida species are increased lately. In this study, it is aimed to contribute to the epidemiological database of our hospital and country by evaluating the distribution of Candida species isolated from nosocomial Candida infections. Methods: It was evaluated that agents isolated from 3840 nosocomial infections that detected in patients hospitalized in intensive care units and clinical departments of Ankara Research and Training Hospital during January 2010 and December 2015. Candida species isolated from various clinical specimens were evaluated by Infection Control Committee according to the "Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)" criteria. Distrubition of 350 Candida species isolated from nosocomial infections were investigated. Results: During the study period, the number of nosocomial infections determined among the patients hospitalized at the intensive care units and clinical departments of Ankara Research and Training Hospital were 2559 and 1281 respectively. The rate of Candida species detected from nosocomial infections in intensive care units and clinical departments were 11.2%, 3.7% respectively. The most common Candida species identified as an agent of nosocomial Candida infections was Candida albicans (39.7%). Among the non-albicans Candida group, C. parapsilosis (20.9%) was the most common agent followed by C. glabrata (17.4%) and C. tropicalis (15.1%). The most common nosocomial Candida infections were detected as Urinary tract infections. Conclusion: Epidemiology of nosocomial Candida infections can change to years and by hospital. Epidemiological studies should be performed at regular intervals in all hospitals in order to appropriate control of nosocomial Candida infections.