Long-term epidemiological survey of Candida species: comparison of isolates found in an intensive care unit and in conventional wards.

The aim of this study was to compare the distribution of Candida species in patients hospitalized in an intensive care unit (ICU) and in conventional wards. A retrospective analysis was performed covering an 18-year period in a 700-bed teaching hospital. Various body sites were investigated in all patients admitted during the study and isolates were identified by microscopic and macroscopic morphology, and by commercially available kits. The susceptibility of strains to amphotericin B and flucytosine was assessed by the ATB-fungus system, itraconazole and fluconazole by Etest. No difference was observed between the distribution of Candida species in ICU and in conventional wards. Candida albicans represented about 70% of isolates and Candida glabrata was the second most common species involved in infection or colonization. The small number of C. glabrata resistant to fluconazole suggested this antifungal agent as suitable empirical treatment for non-immunocompromized patients in whom a fungal infection was suspected.