Clinical and microbiological characteristics of a hospital outbreak of Candida auris in a referral hospital in Lima, Peru.

BACKGROUND: Candida auris, a multidrug-resistant fungal pathogen, has received considerable attention owing to its recent surge, especially in South America, which coincides with the ongoing global COVID-19 pandemic. Understanding the clinical and microbiological characteristics of outbreaks is crucial for their effective management and control. OBJECTIVE: This retrospective observational study aimed to characterize a C. auris outbreak at a Peruvian referral hospital between January 2021 and July 2023. METHODS: Data were collected from hospitalized patients with positive C. auris culture results. Microbiological data and antifungal susceptibility test results were analysed. Additionally, infection prevention and control measures have been described. Statistical analysis was used to compare the characteristics between the infected and colonized patients. RESULTS: Thirty-three patients were identified, mostly male (66.7%), with a median age of 53 years. Among them, 18 (54.5%) were colonized, and 15 (45.5%) were infected. Fungemia was the predominant presentation (80%), with notable cases of fungemia in tuberculosis patients with long-stay devices for parenteral anti-tuberculosis therapy. Seventy-five percent of the isolates exhibited fluconazole resistance. Echinocandins were the primary treatment, preventing fungemia recurrence within 30 days. Infected patients had significantly longer hospital stays than colonized patients (100 vs. 45 days; p = .023). Hospital mortality rates were 46.7% and 25% in the infected and fungemia patients, respectively. Simultaneous outbreaks of multidrug-resistant bacteria were documented. CONCLUSIONS: This study underscores the severity of a C. auris outbreak at a referral hospital in Peru, highlighting its significant impact on patient outcomes and healthcare resources. The high prevalence of fluconazole-resistant isolates, leading to prolonged hospital stay and high mortality rates, particularly in cases of fungemia, underscores the critical need for effective infection prevention and control strategies.

Fungemia due to opportunistic fungi in patients with cancer.

BACKGROUND: Fungemia due to uncommon fungi and secondary to multiple risk factors has become an emergent health problem, particularly in oncology patients. AIMS: This study shows the following data collected during an 11-year period in a tertiary care oncologic center from patients with fungemia: demographic data, clinical characteristics, and outcome. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed at Instituto Nacional de Cancerología, a 135-bed referral cancer center in Mexico City, from July 2012 to June 2023. All episodes of non-Candida fungemia were included. RESULTS: Sixteen cases with uncommon fungemia were found in the database, representing 0.3% from all the blood cultures positive during the study period, and 8.5% from all the fungi isolated. The most common pathogens identified in our series were Histoplasma capsulatum, Acremonium spp., Trichosporon asahii, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Eight patients had hematologic malignancies, and five had severe neutropenia. In eight cases fungemia was considered catheter-related, in four cases was classified as primary, and in the last four it was diagnosed as disseminated fungal diseases. Mortality at 30 days was 43.8%. CONCLUSIONS: The improved diagnostic tools have led to a better diagnosis of uncommon fungal infections. More aggressive therapeutic approaches, particularly in patients with malignancies, would increase survival rates in these potentially fatal diseases.

Cryptococcus laurentii fungemia in a patient with chronic kidney disease on hemodialysis / Fungemia por cryptococcus laurentii em paciente com doença renal crônica em hemodiálise

Introduction: Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a relevant comorbidity from clinical and public health perspectives. Infections are an important cause of death in those patients. Although rare, fungal infections are increasing in incidence. Case report: a 45-year-old female patient with CKD due to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) was admitted to a tertiary hospital due to a bloodstream infection (BSI) caused by Cryptococcus laurentii. She received treatment with anidulafungin with good initial response but presented clinical and laboratory worsening after a few days, and the treatment was switched to amphotericin B. The hemodialysis access was changed. Chest tomography, echocardiogram, eye fundus examination, and cerebrospinal fluid study did not show changes. After 32 days of amphotericin B, the patient presented clinical improvement and was discharged to take oral fluconazole for three (3) months. Conclusion: BSI due to Cryptococcus laurentii is rare in patients on chronic hemodialysis with a high potential for complications. Physicians should have clinical suspicion for those infrequent infections infractions, and culture evaluation should always be performed. The diagnosis is still a challenge, as well as the therapeutic regimen.

Introdução: a doença renal crônica (DRC) é uma comorbidade relevante do ponto de vista clínico e de saúde pública. As infecções configuram importante causa de morte nesses pacientes. Embora raras, as infecções por fungos têm incidência crescente. Relato de caso: uma paciente do sexo feminino, 45 anos, com DRC por lúpus eritematoso sistêmico (LES) foi internada em hospital terciário devido à infecção de corrente sanguínea (ICS) por Cryptococcus laurentii. Recebeu tratamento com anidulafungina com boa resposta inicial, porém, devido à piora clínica e laboratorial, o tratamento foi modificado para anfotericina B, assim como foi realizada a troca do acesso para hemodiálise. A tomografia de tórax, o ecocardiograma, o exame de fundo de olho e o estudo do líquido cefalorraquidiano não evidenciaram alterações. Após 32 dias de anfotericina B, a paciente apresentou melhora clínica e recebeu alta hospitalar com fluconazol via oral por 3 meses. Conclusão: a ICS por Cryptococcus Laurentii é rara nos pacientes em hemodiálise crônica, porém com alto potencial de complicações. Há a necessidade de suspeição clínica e avaliação por culturas, sendo o diagnóstico ainda um desafio, bem como o esquema terapêutico.

First report of fatal fungemia due Fusarium oxysporum in a patient with COVID-19 in Ecuador.

Filamentous fungal infections are an important cause of systemic infections in immunocompromised patients. Fusarium genus members potentially cause disseminated infections, especially in patients with catheters, due to the ability to adhere to these devices. We describe a case of fatal fungemia due to Fusarium oxysporum in a patient with COVID-19 in Ecuador. The genus identification was carried out with conventional techniques and species identification by molecular and phylogenetic techniques through sequencing of the ITS region.

Case report: First case of fungemia caused by Papiliotrema laurentii in a patient with SARS-CoV-2 infection

ABSTRACT Previously considered saprobe and non-pathogenic, the fungus Papiliotrema laurentii (formerly known as Cryptococcus laurentii), is rarely associated with human infection. Nevertheless, there has been an increase in reported infections by non-neoformans cryptococci. After a literature search on the Cochrane Library, LILACS, SciELO, MEDLINE, PubMed, and PMC (PubMed Central) databases, we conclude that this is the first case report of fungemia and probable meningitis caused by Papiliotrema laurentii in a previously immunocompetent host with associated COVID-19.

Fusariosis in cancer patients: 13 case series report and literature review / Fusariosis en pacientes con cáncer: serie de 13 casos y revisión de la literatura

The fusariosis is an opportunistic mycosis caused by Fusarium spp. Its clinical presentation depends on the immunological status of the host, especially in patients with hematooncological diseases, whose manifestations vary from localized to invasive fungal infections. Skin or blood culture helps to guide combined antifungal treatment with amphotericin B and voriconazole. Here, we present 13 cases in a period of eleven years of patients with cancer who developed disseminated fusariosis and their outcomes, together with a review of the related literature. In this series of cases, mortality was 61.5 % (8/13), despite the use of the antifungal. Out of the 13 cases, 11 had hematological neoplasia and 2 solid neoplasia. The most determinant risk factor was profound neutropenia. Skin involvement and positive blood cultures in most cases allowed combined treatment prescription. Persistent febrile neutropenia associated with skin lesions, onychomycosis, nodules, or lung masses lead to suspicion of Fusarium spp. fungal invasive infection. The aim of this series of cases is to remind healthcare professionals that oncological patients with deep and persistent febrile neutropenia can develop fusariosis.

La fusariosis es una micosis oportunista producida por Fusarium spp. Su presentación clínica depende del estado inmunológico del huésped, especialmente, el de aquellos con enfermedades hematooncológicas, cuyas manifestaciones varían desde formas localizadas hasta infección fúngica invasora. El cultivo de piel o de sangre permite orientar el tratamiento antifúngico combinado con anfotericina B y voriconazol. Se presentan 13 casos de pacientes con cáncer en un periodo de once años que desarrollaron fusariosis diseminada; asimismo, se hizo con una revisión extensa de la literatura. En esta serie de casos, la mortalidad fue del 61,5 % (8/13), a pesar del uso del antifúngico. De los 13 pacientes, 11 tenían neoplasia hematológica y 2 neoplasia sólida. El factor de riesgo más importante fue la neutropenia profunda. El compromiso de la piel y los hemocultivos positivos facilitaron la prescripción del tratamiento combinado en la mayoría de los casos. La neutropenia febril persistente asociada a lesiones cutáneas, la onicomicosis, los nódulos o las masas pulmonares permitieron sospechar una infección fúngica invasora por Fusarium spp. El objetivo de la presentación de esta serie de casos es recordar el diagnóstico de fusariosis a la comunidad médica en contacto con pacientes oncológicos, con neutropenia febril profunda y persistentes.

Geotrichosis: fungemia in a patient with acute lymphoblastic leukemia / Geotricosis: fungemia en paciente con leucemia linfoblástica aguda

Fungemia caused by Geotrichum spp. is rare and highly lethal. The Instituto Nacional de Cancerología in Bogotá reported just two cases: one in the period 2001-2007 and the other in 2012-2018. This type of infection is more common in any kind of immunocompromised patients, so it can occur in those with hematological malignancies. Here we present the case of a 27-year-old man, diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in relapse and admitted with polyarthralgia for five days, febrile neutropenia, nonabscessed cellulitis, and bacteremia due to methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus. The patient received therapy with oxacillin and cefepime, but the febrile neutropenia persisted. A new set of blood cultures was taken, and antifungal treatment was started because of the suspicion of invasive fungal infection. Arthroconidia were identified in blood cultures and Geotrichum spp. was confirmed using matrix-assisted laser desorption-ionization mass spectrometry. The antifungal treatment was adjusted with amphotericin B deoxycholate for 14 days and voriconazole for four weeks, and after a prolonged stay, the patient was discharged. Although the incidence of fungemia caused by Geotrichum spp. is low, it must be considered in patients with hematological malignancies and persistent febrile neutropenia despite the broadspectrum antimicrobial treatment. The confirmation of fungemia causing agents, with proteomic tools such as the mentioned mass spectrometry, allows treatment adjustment and decreases complications, hospital stay, and mortality.

La fungemia por Geotrichum spp. es poco frecuente y altamente letal. En el Instituto Nacional de Cancerología de Bogotá solo se han reportado dos casos: uno entre el 2001 y el 2007, y el otro entre el 2012 y el 2018. Este tipo de infección es más común en pacientes con algún grado de compromiso del sistema inmunitario, por lo que puede presentarse en pacientes con neoplasias hematológicas malignas. Se presenta el caso de un hombre de 27 años con recaída de leucemia linfoblástica aguda, que ingresó con poliartralgias de cinco días de duración. También cursaba con neutropenia febril, celulitis sin abscesos y bacteriemia por Staphylococcus aureus resistente a la meticilina para lo cual recibió terapia con oxacilina y cefepime. Sin embargo, persistía la neutropenia febril por lo que se sospechó una infección fúngica invasora. Se tomó un nuevo set de hemocultivos y se inició tratamiento antifúngico. En los hemocultivos se identificaron artroconidias y mediante espectrometría de masas por láser de matriz asistida de ionización-desorción se confirmó la presencia de Geotrichum spp. Se ajustó el tratamiento antifúngico con deoxicolato de anfotericina B por 14 días y voriconazol por cuatro semanas. Luego de una estancia prolongada se le dio de alta. Aunque la incidencia de la fungemia por Geotrichum spp. es baja, en pacientes con neoplasias hematológicas malignas debe considerarse en el contexto de una neutropenia febril que es persistente a pesar del tratamiento antimicrobiano de amplio espectro.

Candida haemulonii Species Complex: A Mini-review.

Candida haemulonii species complex (CHSC) are emerging multidrug-resistant yeast pathogens able to cause life-threatening human infections in at-risk populations for invasive candidiasis worldwide. A recent laboratory survey conducted in 12 medical centers found that prevalence rates of Candida haemulonii complex isolates rose from 0.9 to 1.7% along the period between 2008 and 2019. We present a mini-review addressing recent aspects of the epidemiology, diagnosis and therapy of infections due to CHSC.

Standardization of Galleria mellonella as an Infection Model for Malassezia furfur and Malassezia pachydermatis.

Galleria mellonella larva has been widely exploited as an infection model for bacteria and fungi. Our laboratory uses this insect as a model for fungal infection caused by the genus Malassezia, in particular, systemic infections caused by Malassezia furfur and Malassezia pachydermatis, which are poorly understood. Here, we describe the G. mellonella larva inoculation process with M. furfur and M. pachydermatis and the posterior assessment of the establishment and dissemination of the infection in the larvae. This assessment was done through the evaluation of larval survival, melanization, fungal burden, hemocytes populations, and histological changes. This methodology allows for the identification of virulence patterns between Malassezia species and the impact of inoculum concentration and temperature.

Fungemia in Hospitalized Adult Patients with Hematological Malignancies: Epidemiology and Risk Factors.

Fungemia in hematologic malignancies (HM) has high mortality. This is a retrospective cohort of adult patients with HM and fungemia between 2012 and 2019 in institutions of Bogotá, Colombia. The epidemiological, clinical, and microbiological characteristics are described, and risk factors related to mortality are analyzed. One hundred five patients with a mean age of 48 years (SD 19.0) were identified, 45% with acute leukemia and 37% with lymphomas. In 42%, the HM was relapsed/refractory, 82% ECOG > 3, and 35% received antifungal prophylaxis; 57% were in neutropenia, with an average duration of 21.8 days. In 86 (82%) patients, Candida spp. was identified, and other yeasts in 18%. The most frequent of the isolates were non-albicans Candida (61%), C. tropicalis (28%), C. parapsilosis (17%), and C. krusei (12%). The overall 30-day mortality was 50%. The survival probability at day 30 in patients with leukemia vs. lymphoma/multiple myeloma (MM0 group was 59% (95% CI 46-76) and 41% (95% CI 29-58), p = 0.03, respectively. Patients with lymphoma or MM (HR 1.72; 95% CI 0.58-2.03) and ICU admission (HR 3.08; 95% CI 1.12-3.74) were associated with mortality. In conclusion, in patients with HM, non-albicans Candida species are the most frequent, and high mortality was identified; moreover, lymphoma or MM and ICU admission were predictors of mortality.

Geotricosis: fungemia en paciente con leucemia linfoblástica aguda / Geotrichosis: fungemia in a patient with acute lymphoblastic leukemia

La fungemia por Geotrichum spp. es poco frecuente y altamente letal. En el Instituto Nacional de Cancerología de Bogotá solo se han reportado dos casos: uno entre el 2001 y el 2007, y el otro entre el 2012 y el 2018. Este tipo de infección es más común en pacientes con algún grado de compromiso del sistema inmunitario, por lo que puede presentarse en pacientes con neoplasias hematológicas malignas. Se presenta el caso de un hombre de 27 años con recaída de leucemia linfoblástica aguda, que ingresó con poliartralgias de cinco días de duración. También cursaba con neutropenia febril, celulitis sin abscesos y bacteriemia por Staphylococcus aureus resistente a la meticilina para lo cual recibió terapia con oxacilina y cefepime. Sin embargo, persistía la neutropenia febril por lo que se sospechó una infección fúngica invasora. Se tomó un nuevo set de hemocultivos y se inició tratamiento antifúngico. En los hemocultivos se identificaron artroconidias y mediante espectrometría de masas por láser de matriz asistida de ionización-desorción se confirmó la presencia de Geotrichum spp. Se ajustó el tratamiento antifúngico con deoxicolato de anfotericina B por 14 días y voriconazol por cuatro semanas. Luego de una estancia prolongada se le dio de alta. Aunque la incidencia de la fungemia por Geotrichum spp. es baja, en pacientes con neoplasias hematológicas malignas debe considerarse en el contexto de una neutropenia febril que es persistente a pesar del tratamiento antimicrobiano de amplio espectro. La identificación de los agentes causantes de fungemias con herramientas de proteómica, como la espectrometría de masas mencionada, permite ajustar el tratamiento dirigido y reducir las complicaciones, la estancia hospitalaria y la mortalidad.

Fungemia caused by Geotrichum spp. is rare and highly lethal. The Instituto Nacional de Cancerología in Bogotá reported just two cases: one in the period 2001-2007 and the other in 2012-2018. This type of infection is more common in any kind of immunocompromised patients, so it can occur in those with hematological malignancies. Here we present the case of a 27-year-old man, diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in relapse and admitted with polyarthralgia for five days, febrile neutropenia, non- abscessed cellulitis, and bacteremia due to methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus. The patient received therapy with oxacillin and cefepime, but the febrile neutropenia persisted. A new set of blood cultures was taken, and antifungal treatment was started because of the suspicion of invasive fungal infection. Arthroconidia were identified in blood cultures and Geotrichum spp. was confirmed using matrix-assisted laser desorption-ionization mass spectrometry. The antifungal treatment was adjusted with amphotericin B deoxycholate for 14 days and voriconazole for four weeks, and after a prolonged stay, the patient was discharged. Although the incidence of fungemia caused by Geotrichum spp. is low, it must be considered in patients with hematological malignancies and persistent febrile neutropenia despite the broadspectrum antimicrobial treatment. The confirmation of fungemia causing agents, with proteomic tools such as the mentioned mass spectrometry, allows treatment adjustment and decreases complications, hospital stay, and mortality.

Fusariosis en pacientes con cáncer: serie de 13 casos y revisión de la literatura / Fusariosis in cancer patients: 13 case series report and literature review

La fusariosis es una micosis oportunista producida por Fusarium spp. Su presentación clínica depende del estado inmunológico del huésped, especialmente, el de aquellos con enfermedades hematooncológicas, cuyas manifestaciones varían desde formas localizadas hasta infección fúngica invasora. El cultivo de piel o de sangre permite orientar el tratamiento antifúngico combinado con anfotericina B y voriconazol. Se presentan 13 casos de pacientes con cáncer en un periodo de once años que desarrollaron fusariosis diseminada; asimismo, se hizo con una revisión extensa de la literatura. En esta serie de casos, la mortalidad fue del 61,5 % (8/13), a pesar del uso del antifúngico. De los 13 pacientes, 11 tenían neoplasia hematológica y 2 neoplasia sólida. El factor de riesgo más importante fue la neutropenia profunda. El compromiso de la piel y los hemocultivos positivos facilitaron la prescripción del tratamiento combinado en la mayoría de los casos. La neutropenia febril persistente asociada a lesiones cutáneas, la onicomicosis, los nódulos o las masas pulmonares permitieron sospechar una infección fúngica invasora por Fusarium spp. El objetivo de la presentación de esta serie de casos es recordar el diagnóstico de fusariosis a la comunidad médica en contacto con pacientes oncológicos, con neutropenia febril profunda y persistentes.

The fusariosis is an opportunistic mycosis caused by Fusarium spp. Its clinical presentation depends on the immunological status of the host, especially in patients with hemato-oncological diseases, whose manifestations vary from localized to invasive fungal infections. Skin or blood culture helps to guide combined antifungal treatment with amphotericin B and voriconazole. Here, we present 13 cases in a period of eleven years of patients with cancer who developed disseminated fusariosis and their outcomes, together with a review of the related literature. In this series of cases, mortality was 61.5 % (8/13), despite the use of the antifungal. Out of the 13 cases, 11 had hematological neoplasia and 2 solid neoplasia. The most determinant risk factor was profound neutropenia. Skin involvement and positive blood cultures in most cases allowed combined treatment prescription. Persistent febrile neutropenia associated with skin lesions, onychomycosis, nodules, or lung masses lead to suspicion of Fusarium spp. fungal invasive infection. The aim of this series of cases is to remind healthcare professionals that oncological patients with deep and persistent febrile neutropenia can develop fusariosis.

Risk factors for ophthalmologic involvement and ocular findings in patients diagnosed with fungemia in a high-complexity hospital in the city of Medellín, Colombia.

PURPOSE: To describe the demographic clinical characteristics and to identify the risk factors of patients diagnosed with fungemia and secondary intraocular involvement. METHODS: Retrospective cohort of 97 patients diagnosed with fungemia and with or without involvement of the posterior segment. Demographic, clinical and ophthalmological variables were identified to establish the risk of retinal seeding. RESULTS: An incidence of ocular involvement of 22.68% was obtained and no clear risk factor was found for subsequent showings in patients with fungemia. A risk trend was only found in patients with diabetes with an OR: 2.85; CI 95%: (0.80-10.12) and history of HIV with an OR: 2.29 CI95%: (0.85-6.12). CONCLUSIONS: In this first cohort carried out in Colombia according to our search, findings were obtained that agree with those of other authors worldwide, where there is no evidence of a decrease in incidence compared with older studies and the absence of risk factors for the compromise of the posterior pole in patients with fungemia.KEY MESSAGESSystematic fundus evaluation by an ophthalmologist in patients with candidaemia is a recommended practice based on low-quality evidence.The identification of real risk factors for retinal compromise in fungemia would allow us to be more selective with the population to be evaluated.Fungemia generally occurs in critically ill patients, where access and availability of ophthalmology evaluation are a resource that is not always available.

Incidence and factors associated with invasive candidiasis in a neonatal intensive care unit in Mexico.

INTRODUCTION: Neonatal Candida spp. infections are serious events due to their morbidity and mortality, however, epidemiological information is insufficient in developing countries. The objective of this study was to describe the incidence and factors associated with invasive infection by Candida spp. in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in Mexico. METHODS: Case-control study nested in a cohort and matched for birth weight. We estimated the incidence of invasive neonatal infection by Candida spp. For the bivariate analysis of the studied factors, McNemar's test was used to contrast hypotheses and multivariate analysis was made with logistic regression. RESULTS: The incidence of infection was 2.27 events/1000 live newborns. The species identified were C. albicans 35.3% (n 30), C. parapsilosis 30.6% (n 26), C. glabrata 31.8% (n 27) and two events with C. lipolytica. The factors associated with a higher risk were mechanical ventilation (OR 3.04, 95% CI 1.13-8.14), systemic antibiotics (OR 7.48, 95% CI 1.30-42.9), number of antimicrobial regimens (OR 2.02, 95% CI 1.01-4.03), and days with total parenteral nutrition (OR 1.14, 95% CI 1.04-1.25) or with venous catheter central (OR 1.11, 95% CI 1.02-1.20). Fluconazole prophylaxis decreased the risk (OR 0.32, 95% CI 0.12-0.84). CONCLUSIONS: Invasive interventions (central catheter, mechanical ventilation, and parenteral nutrition) and the use of antimicrobials increase the risk of neonatal Candida spp. Infection, while prophylactic fluconazole is protective.

Fungal Bloodstream Co-infection by Trichosporon asahii in a COVID-19 Critical Patient: Case Report and Literature Review.

Opportunistic infections are serious complications in critically ill COVID-19 patients, especially co-infections with bacterial and fungal agents. Here we report a rare case of bloodstream co-infection by Trichosporon asahii, an emerging yeast, and Acinetobacterbaumannii, an opportunistic nosocomial pathogen, both multidrug resistant, in a tertiary hospital from southern Brazil. A review of the literature regarding similar cases is also included. Treatment with multiple antimicrobials failed, and the patient progressed to death four days after the diagnosis of bacteremia and fungemia.

Invasive Fusariosis in Patients with Hematologic Diseases.

Fusarium species are filamentous fungi widely encountered in nature, and may cause invasive disease in patients with hematologic conditions. Patients at higher risk are those with acute leukemia receiving induction remission chemotherapy or allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant recipients. In these hosts, invasive fusariosis presents typically with disseminated disease, fever, metastatic skin lesions, pneumonia, and positive blood cultures. The prognosis is poor and the outcome is largely dependent on the immune status of the host, with virtually a 100% death rate in persistently neutropenic patients, despite monotherapy or combination antifungal therapy. In this paper, we will review the epidemiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and management of invasive fusariosis affecting patients with hematologic diseases.

[Incidence and factors associated with invasive candidiasis in a neonatal intensive care unit in Mexico]. / Incidencia y factores asociados a candidiasis invasiva en una unidad de cuidados intensivos neonatales de México.

INTRODUCTION: Neonatal Candida spp. infections are serious events due to their morbidity and mortality, however, epidemiological information is insufficient in developing countries. The objective of this study was to describe the incidence and factors associated with invasive infection by Candida spp. in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in Mexico. METHODS: Case-control study nested in a cohort and matched for birth weight. We estimate the incidence of invasive neonatal infection by Candida spp. For the bivariate analysis of the studied factors, McNemar's test was used to contrast hypotheses and multivariate analysis was made with logistic regression. RESULTS: The incidence of infection was 2.27 events/1000 live newborns. The species identified were C. albicans 35.3% (n 30), C. parapsilosis 30.6% (n 26), C. glabrata 31.8% (n 27) and two events with C. lipolytica. The factors associated with a higher risk were mechanical ventilation (OR 3.04; 95% CI 1.13-8.14), systemic antibiotics (OR 7.48; 95% CI 1.30-42.9), number of antimicrobial regimens (OR 2.02; 95% CI 1.01-4.03), and days with total parenteral nutrition (OR 1.14; 95% CI 1.04-1.25) or with venous catheter central (OR 1.11; 95% CI 1.02-1.20). Fluconazole prophylaxis decreased the risk (OR 0.32; 95% CI 0.12-0.84). CONCLUSIONS: Invasive interventions (central catheter, mechanical ventilation, and parenteral nutrition) and the use of antimicrobials increase the risk of neonatal Candida spp. Infection, while prophylactic fluconazole is protective.

Trichosporon asahii superinfections in critically ill COVID-19 patients overexposed to antimicrobials and corticosteroids.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the occurrence of Trichosporon asahii fungemia among critically ill COVID-19 patients. METHODS: From 1 July to 30 September 2020, cases of T asahii fungemia (TAF) in a Brazilian COVID-19 referral centre were investigated. The epidemiology and clinical courses were detailed, along with a mycological investigation that included molecular species identification, haplotype diversity analysis and antifungal susceptibility testing. RESULTS: Five critically ill COVID-19 patients developed TAF in the period. All five patients had common risk conditions for TAF: central venous catheter at fungemia, previous exposure to broad-spectrum antibiotics, prior echinocandin therapy and previous prolonged corticosteroid therapy. The average time of intensive care unit hospitalisation previous to the TAF episode was 23 days. All but one patient had voriconazole therapy, and TAF 30-day mortality was 80%. The five T asahii strains from the COVID-19 patients belonged to 4 different haplotypes, mitigating the possibility of skin origin and cross-transmission linking the 5 reported episodes. The antifungal susceptibility testing revealed low minimal inhibitory concentrations for azole derivatives. CONCLUSIONS: Judicious prescription of antibiotics, corticosteroids and antifungals needs to be discussed in critically ill COVID-19 patients to prevent infections by hard-to-treat fungi like T asahii.

Fungemia por Malassezia sympodialis en una Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos Neonatal de Colombia / Fungemia by malassezia sympodialis in a neonatal intensive care unit in Colombia

Resumen El género Malassezia comprende levaduras lipofílicas, comensales de la piel de humanos y animales, responsables de infecciones dermatológicas y sistémicas, particularmente en recién nacidos pretérmino hospitalizados en Unidades de Cuidados Intensivos Neonatal (UCIN) con catéteres venosos centrales, antibióticos de amplio espectro y nutrición parenteral rica en lípidos. La información acerca de las fungemias por este microorganismo es limitada, sin embargo, la mayoría de infecciones invasivas reportadas en la literatura han sido asociadas con M. furfur y M. pachydermatis. Se reporta un caso de fungemia por M. sympodialis en un recién nacido pretérmino hospitalizado en la UCIN de un hospital colombiano con sospecha clínica de sepsis neonatal, antibioticoterapia de amplio espectro y hemocultivos de rutina negativos. El aislamiento fue susceptible a fluconazol y voriconazol, y resistente a anfotericina B. Existen pocos reportes de fungemia producida por M. sympodialis, pero todos concuerdan en que es una levadura subestimada en individuos con factores predisponentes.

Abstract The genus Malassezia comprises lipophilic yeasts, commensals of the skin of humans and animals, responsible for dermatological and systemic infections, particu larly in preterm infants hospitalized in Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU) with central venous catheters, broad-spectrum antibiotics and parenteral nutrition rich in lipids. Information about fungemia by this microorganism is limited, however, the majority of invasive infections reported in the literature have been associated with M. furfur and M. pachydermatis. A case of M. sympodialis fungemia is reported in a preterm newborn hospitalized in the NICU of a Colombian hospital with clinical suspicion of neonatal sepsis, broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy and negative routine blood cultures. The isolation was susceptible to fluconazole and voriconazole, and resistant to amphotericin B. There are few reports of fungemia produced by M. sympodialis, but all agree that it is an underestimated yeast in individuals with predisposing factors.