Nosocomial fungemia in a large community teaching hospital.
This report reviews 48 episodes of hospital-acquired fungemia that occurred over a four-year period at a large community teaching hospital. The incidence of hospital-acquired fungemia increased eightfold during the study period. Candida albicans (58%), Candida tropicalis (25%), and Candida parapsilosis (15%) were the most common fungal pathogens isolated from blood cultures. Twenty-one patients (44%) had concomitant bacteremia. Intravascular catheters (100%), antibiotic administration (98%), urinary catheters (81%), surgical procedures (65%), parenteral alimentation (60%), and corticosteroid administration (54%) were the most common predisposing factors. The overall mortality rate was 75%. Hospitalization on the medical service, age greater than 60 years, and hospital stay less than 100 days were associated with a significantly increased mortality rate.
Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine, Rootstown.
R L
RL
Harvey
J P
JP
Myers
D000328:Adult; D000666:Amphotericin B / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002177:Candidiasis / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology* / Q000401:mortality; D003428:Cross Infection; D006402:Hematologic Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology* / Q000401:mortality; D006764:Hospitals, Community; D006784:Hospitals, Teaching; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D018805:Sepsis / Q000150:complications
D000666:Amphotericin B