title: Candida bloodstream infection: a clinical microbiology laboratory perspective.
abstract: The incidence of Candida bloodstream infection (BSI) has been on the rise in several countries worldwide. Species distribution is changing; an increase in the percentage of non-albicans species, mainly fluconazole non-susceptible C. glabrata was reported. Existing microbiology diagnostic methods lack sensitivity, and new methods need to be developed or further evaluation for routine application is necessary. Although reliable, standardized methods for antifungal susceptibility testing are available, the determination of clinical breakpoints remains challenging. Correct species identification is important and provides information on the intrinsic susceptibility profile of the isolate. Currently, acquired resistance in clinical Candida isolates is rare, but reports indicate that it could be an issue in the future. The role of the clinical microbiology laboratory is to isolate and correctly identify the infective agent and provide relevant and reliable susceptibility data as soon as possible to guide antifungal therapy.
authors.affiliation: Semmelweis University Clinical Microbiology Diagnostic Laboratory, Institute of Laboratory Medicine Budapest Hungary.
authors.forename: Júlia
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Pongrácz
authors.affiliation: Semmelweis University Clinical Microbiology Diagnostic Laboratory, Institute of Laboratory Medicine Budapest Hungary.
authors.forename: Katalin
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Kristóf
mesh_terms: D000935:Antifungal Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002175:Candida / Q000187:drug effects / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification* / Q000502:physiology; D002177:Candidiasis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology*; D016469:Fungemia / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology*; D006801:Humans; D007755:Laboratories, Hospital; D008826:Microbial Sensitivity Tests
chemical_list: D000935:Antifungal Agents
keywords: Candida spp.; bloodstream infection; clinical breakpoints