Candidiasis is a mycosis caused by yeasts of the genus Candida , part of the human microbiota. Under certain conditions, such as immunosuppression, prolonged antibiotic use, comorbidities (e.g., diabetes), and inadequate hygiene, they may become opportunistic, causing localized, systemic, or even disseminated infections in hospitalized patients. This study aimed to evaluate the frequency of Candida spp. isolation in clinical samples received at a clinical analysis laboratory over three years, relating results to sample origin and patient profile. A retrospective, descriptive, observational study was conducted using fungal culture test requests received between 2020 and 2022. All samples yielding Candida spp. isolation were included. After laboratory identification, variables such as sample type, and patient age and sex were analyzed. In the period, 1,220 samples with suspected fungal infection were received. The most common sample types were: nail scrapings (n = 757; 62.0%), skin scrapings (n = 250; 20.5%), sputum/bronchoalveolar lavage (n = 74; 6.1%), genital secretions (n = 56; 4.6%), ocular secretions (n = 44; 3.6%), and other samples (stool, urine, fluids, and secretions in general). Of these, 900 (73.8%) had fungal growth, with Candida spp. isolated in 185 samples (15.2%), predominantly from nails (n = 95; 51.4%), skin (n = 35; 18.9%), and respiratory samples (n = 31; 16.8%). Among positive patients, 110 (59.5%) were women and 75 (40.5%) men, aged 0–95 years. Identified species were Candida albicans (n = 25; 13.5%), Candida krusei (n = 45; 24.3%), Candida tropicalis (n = 14; 7.6%), Candida glabrata (n = 1; 0.5%), and Candida spp. (n = 100; 54.1%). Candida spp. were found in 15.2% of analyzed samples, most frequently in nail, skin, and respiratory samples. The most prevalent species were C. krusei and C. albicans . Most cases occurred in women across a wide age range. The results underscore the importance of continuous laboratory surveillance for early detection and proper management of opportunistic Candida infections, contributing to patient safety and treatment effectiveness.
Svenson et al. (Sun,) studied this question.