Etiologic Agents of Candidemia in Pediatric Immunocompromised Patients

Abstract Background: Candidemia is the main cause of fungal nosocomial bloodstream infections and is related to meaningful mortality specially, in pediatrics. Mortality rate range from 5% to 71%, and it can reach as high as 81%. Delays in beginning of treatment have also been linked to intensified mortality. The epidemiology of Candida infection is changing from region to region. Regional surveillance of the epidemiology of candidemia is necessary to identify patients at highest risk. The aim of this study is rapid and precise detection of Candida species isolated from blood stream by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) technique. Materials and Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted during October 2013 to January 2015. Sixteen Candida strains were isolated from 36 patients with positive blood culture in Milad hospital, Resalat Lab., Tehran, Iran. All isolates were identified by PCR-RFLP patterns after digestion with the restriction enzyme HpaII. Results: Candida albicans (72.2%) and Candida glabrata (22.2%) were the most prevalent species among isolates. Male to female ratio was 9/7, ranging in age from 4-16 years. Conclusion: Candida albicans remains the most frequently isolated species in the present study; however nonalbicans Candida species are increasing. Precise identification of Candida spp. can lead to a better management of candidemia.