Characterization of Candida spp. isolated from the bloodstream in a reference hospital in Brazil: using MALDI-TOF/MS to identify unusual species of Candida

Candidemia is a health problem with high mortality rate. The aims of this study were to compare the identification Candida spp. via traditional methodologies and mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF/MS) in order verify antifungal susceptibility profile these isolates analyze clinical evolution patients. This was two-year prospective cohort conducted at Hospital de Clínicas Uberlândia (HCU-UFU). identified VITEK®-2 MALDI-TOF/MS. Antifungal tests VITEK®-2. Clinical-demographic data assessed from medical records variables described as mean, standard deviation, frequency percentage, risk factors evaluated using univariate multivariate analysis. A total 113 patients 126 studied. C. albicans most frequent (30%); MALDI-TOF/MS unusual species, including misidentification famata. Most (95%) susceptible tested antifungals. men (65%) older than 60 years age (45%); 85% treated fluconazole. 30-day rate 56%; who did not receive treatment those started later had lower survival (p <0.0001). able identify presented rate; correct introduction appropriate timely therapy are essential for increasing patient survival.