Introduction: Vascular access devices (VADs), namely peripheral VADs (PVADs) and central venous VADs (CVADs), are crucial in both intensive care unit (ICU) and non-ICU settings. However, VAD placement carries risks, notably catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs).
Candida spp. is a common pathogen in CRBSIs,
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Introduction: Vascular access devices (VADs), namely peripheral VADs (PVADs) and central venous VADs (CVADs), are crucial in both intensive care unit (ICU) and non-ICU settings. However, VAD placement carries risks, notably catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs).
Candida spp. is a common pathogen in CRBSIs, yet its clinical and microbiological characteristics, especially in non-ICU settings, are underexplored. Methods: We conducted a monocentric, retrospective observational study at Luigi Sacco Hospital from 1 May 2021 to 1 September 2023. We reviewed medical records of non-ICU adult patients with CVADs and PVADs. Data on demographics, clinical and laboratory results, VAD placement, and CRBSI occurrences were collected. Statistical analysis compared
Candida spp. CRBSI and bacterial CRBSI groups. Results: Out of 1802 VAD placements in 1518 patients, 54 cases of CRBSI were identified, and
Candida spp. was isolated in 30.9% of episodes. The prevalence of CRBSI was 3.05%, with
Candida spp. accounting for 0.94%. Incidence rates were 2.35 per 1000 catheter days for CRBSI, with
Candida albicans and
Candida non-albicans at 0.47 and 0.26 per 1000 catheter days, respectively—patients with
Candida spp. CRBSI had more frequent SARS-CoV-2 infection, COVID-19 pneumonia, and hypoalbuminemia. Conclusions: During the COVID-19 pandemic,
Candida spp. was a notable cause of CRBSIs in our center, underscoring the importance of considering
Candida spp. in suspected CRBSI cases, including those in non-ICU settings and in those with PVADs.
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