What question did this study set out to answer?

This research aims to characterize the distribution of candidemia species across different demographics and hospital services in Costa Rica.

January 14, 2026Open Access

P-1733. Demographic and Service-Specific Patterns of Candidemia Species Distribution in Costa Rican Hospitals (2007-2023)

Key Points

This research aims to characterize the distribution of candidemia species across different demographics and hospital services in Costa Rica.
Analyzed 2,128 candidemia cases from two tertiary hospitals.
Examined species distribution by sex, age, hospital service, and clinical outcomes.
Used statistical tests to identify significant differences.
Significant gender differences observed in candidemia species distribution.
C. parapsilosis showed marked male predominance, while C. albicans had a balanced distribution.
Distinctive species distribution patterns noted across different hospital services.

Abstract

Abstract Background Understanding the demographic and service-specific distribution of candidemia is essential for targeted prevention strategies. This study characterizes candidemia patterns across different patient populations and hospital settings in Costa Rica.Gender Distribution by Candida Species (N=2,128)Gender Distribution by Candida Species (N=2,128)Species Distribution by Age GroupSpecies Distribution by Age Group Methods We analyzed 2,128 candidemia cases from two tertiary hospitals, examining species distribution by sex, age, hospital service, and clinical outcomes.Candida Species Distribution by Hospital ServiceCandida Species Distribution by Hospital Service Results Significant gender differences were observed in species distribution (χ²=50.71, p 0.001): males represented 58.7% of all cases, with C. parapsilosis showing marked male predominance (66.7%) compared to the balanced distribution of C. albicans (50.1% male). Age-specific patterns revealed significant differences between species (ANOVA: F=10.85, p 0.001): C. glabrata affected older patients (mean 58.4 years) while C. tropicalis showed the lowest mean age (50.5 years). The proportion of C. parapsilosis decreased with age (58.0% in 0-19 years vs. 42.7% in ≥80 years), while C. glabrata increased substantially (7.4% to 14.7%). Service-specific distribution showed distinctive patterns (χ²=69.65, p 0.001): C. parapsilosis was significantly over-represented in ICUs (60.4%), C. albicans dominated in Gynecology/Obstetrics (66.7%), C. tropicalis showed higher presence in Medicine services (47.1%), and C. glabrata was notably over-represented in Emergency departments (21.2%). Inter-hospital differences were significant (χ²=95.56, p 0.001), with C. parapsilosis predominating at Hospital México (52.3%) versus C. albicans at Hospital San Juan de Dios (38.6%). Conclusion This study reveals distinct epidemiological profiles of Candida species across different demographic groups and hospital services. These patterns suggest the influence of specific risk factors in different patient populations and clinical settings, highlighting the need for tailored prevention strategies and empirical treatment approaches based on patient characteristics and hospital environment. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

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