Persistence of candiduria in ICU catheterized patients is not linked to adherence and proteolytic activities of Candida strains.
OBJECTIVE
In this study, the patients who developed asymptomatic candiduria in the intensive care unit were followed prospectively for the persistence of candiduria after the replacement of indwelling urethral catheter and the correlation between persistence and virulence factors (proteinase enzyme activity and epithelial adhesion) was assessed.


METHODS
Prospective study.


METHODS
Intensive care unit and mycology laboratory at a university hospital.


METHODS
Thirty-four patients with asymptomatic candiduria were included in the study.


RESULTS
Candiduria persisted in 19 of 34 patients(56%; group 1) and cleared in 15 of 34 patients(44%; group 2) after urinary catheters were changed. When the virulence factors (epithelial adhesion and proteinase activity) and distribution of Candida spp. were compared between two groups, no statistically significant correlation was found.


CONCLUSIONS
The host immune response might be more important than virulence factors of Candida spp. for persistence of candiduria.
Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, Uludağ University, 16059 Görükle, Bursa, Turkey. halis@uludag.edu.tr
Halis
H
Akalin
Beyza
B
Ener
Ferda
F
Kahveci
Sevim
S
Akçağlar
Saban
S
Gürcan
Okan
O
Töre
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002177:Candidiasis / Q000201:enzymology / Q000652:urine*; D010450:Endopeptidases / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007362:Intensive Care Units; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D014546:Urinary Catheterization
D010450:Endopeptidases