ABSTRACT
Introduction:
Candidemia is a bloodstream infection produced by Candida genus yeasts.
Objective:
The purpose of this study was to characterize the epidemiology and the fluconazole susceptibility in Candida species isolated from patients at a regional hospital in Passo Fundo, RS.
Methods:
Records from the laboratory were used to identify patients with positive blood cultures for Candida between 2010 and 2011. The in vitro activity of fluconazole was determined using the disk diffusion method.
Results:
Were analyzed 24 positive blood cultures for Candida and found a 54.16% mortality rate. C. albicans was the most prevalent species, followed by C. parapsilosis and C. krusei. For susceptibility to fluconazole, C. albicans, C. parapsilosis and C. tropicalis showed 100% sensitivity. However, C. krusei was 100% resistant; and C. glabrata, 50% resistant.
Conclusion:
The high mortality and fluconazole resistance rates emphasize the importance of the diagnosis of candidemia in a hospital environment.
Key words:
candidemia; fluconazole;
Candida albicans